What child doesn't love crafts, listening to stories and meeting costumed storybook characters? All these fun activities and more are planned during the library's fourth annual Read to Your Baby Festival.

The free event, planned this Sunday, Nov. 8, celebrates reading and the important role it can play in the lives of young children and families. It also features a presentation by award-winning children's author and illustrator Bob Barner.

The American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommends parents and caregivers read to their children daily, for at least 15 minutes, beginning at six months of age. Early introduction to books and reading plays a tremendously important role in the stimulation of brain development in young children and helps prepare them for learning to read on their own.

In addition, reading with a child strengthens the child-parent bond and increases a child's sense of self-esteem, family involvement and emotional well-being.

Scheduled from 1-5 p.m. at Old Worthington Library, 820 High St., the Read to Your Baby Festival offers parents, caregivers and teachers ideas and inspiration about ways to get kids excited about reading. They can also connect with area organizations serving the needs of children and families, like Nationwide Children's Hospital, Worthington Parks & Recreation, Franklin County Children Services and the National Wildlife Federation.

Read to Your Baby featured author Bob Barner first became interested in children's books while studying at the Columbus College of Art and Design. Since then, he has written and illustrated more than 30 books like "Penguins, Penguins, Everywhere," "Fish Wish" and "Dinosaur Bones," and won several awards along the way, including the Parent's Choice and Teacher's Choice awards.

During Bob's energetic presentation, scheduled at 2 p.m., he'll read his books, draw along to music and discuss his creative process. He will sign books, available for sale, after his reading.

The festival will also include visits from Toot & Puddle, Froggy and Clifford the Big Red Dog (bring your camera, mom and dad) and baby storytimes in the library's children's area.

The library will give away Raise-a-Reader packets and highlight library resources available for families with young children.

The festival is sponsored by Target.