Rick Riordan is Coming to Winter Park September 23, 2008

     The Winter Park Public Library is bringing Rick Riordan, author of the wildly popular Percy Jackson series, to Winter Park to speak to kids and sign books on Tuesday, September 23.

     There will be two programs that are open to the public, but a free ticket will be required to attend each.

The "Ticket" Lottery is now closed.  Thanks to all the many who entered.

The winners will be announced September 15.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS:
Storytelling from the Greek Myths - for kids in Grades 2—5; 4 p.m., in the Library Community Room
Though he writes for older children, Rick Riordan is well-known for his dynamic storytelling for younger audiences. Rick will offer a quick introduction to the Greek myths, then share two exciting stories about heroes and monsters. Rick will also bring pictures and cover art to show the children, and encourages audience participation. Duration: About 30 minutes. There will not be any signing opportunities at this program. ** Please note that Mr. Riordan doesn't feel that this program is appropriate for children younger than what is indicated.

An Evening with Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson Reading & Book Signing; 7p.m., at the Winter Park Civic Center
This program is most appropriate for young people in grades 4-8, but all are welcome to attend. Rick discusses how he became a writer, how a novel is written and published, and why he chose Greek mythology as the basis for the Percy Jackson series. The presentation includes "show-and-tell" items like an original manuscript, novel cover art, foreign language translations, examples of outlining and brainstorming, and Rick's rejection notes. Rick will give a short reading from The Lightning Thief and play a quiz game with the students on Greek mythology. Duration: about 45 minutes. A book signing will follow. Books will be available for purchase at the program.

**Free tickets required for both programs**

 Valid lottery entries must be received by 9 p.m. Thursday, September 11. Winners will be notified September 15.

LOTTERY DETAILS AND RULES:
 Valid entries must be received between 9 a.m. August 22 and 9 p.m. September 11.
- There will be two separate drawings, one for the “Storytelling from the Greek Myths” program and one for “An Evening with Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson Reading & Book Signing.” You must indicate on the lottery entry form (by checking the correct boxes) which of the drawings you intend to enter.
- Only one entry per person and/or e-mail address will be accepted.
- Individuals living in the same household are welcome to enter the lottery once each as long as they are using separate names and e-mail addresses.
-  You only have to fill out the form once to enter both lotteries as long as you check the appropriate boxes for each.
- The lottery will be a blind, random drawing.
- Each winner will receive two tickets.
- Winners will be notified via e-mail on Monday September 15. If you do not provide us with an e-mail address, your notification may be delayed. Winners without e-mail addresses who we are unable to reach via phone by Thursday, September 18 will forfeit their tickets (please provide us with the best possible daytime contact number).
- Tickets will be reserved under the name given in the lottery entry box. We will be checking people in at the door, so make sure you know what name the tickets are under!
- Please call the Library immediately if you do not intend to use your tickets.
- A limited number of first come, first served seats may be available to people without tickets due to cancellations and no-shows. There will be a clearly labeled “stand-by” line at each show for individuals without tickets who wish to attempt to gain seating in this way.

Important Information About the “Storytelling from the Greek Myths” Program
- This program is designed for young people in grades 2 – 5. Mr. Riordan has indicated he feels it is not appropriate for younger children due to the subject matter.
- Mr. Riordan will not focus on reading from the Percy Jackson books, nor will he be signing books at this program.
- Seating will be on a first come, first served basis for ticket holders.
- Any unoccupied seats will be given on a first come, first served basis to those without tickets.

Important Information About the “An Evening with Rick Riordan: Percy Jackson Reading & Book Signing”
- This program will be held at the Winter Park Civic Center on Morse Boulevard
- Seating at each event will be on a first come, first served basis for ticket holders. Doors will open to ticket holders at 5:30 p.m.
- All ticket holders MUST BE IN THEIR SEATS NO LATER THAN 6:45 p.m. After 6:45 p.m. empty seats will be made available to the general public.
- At 6:45 p.m., we will allow those in the “stand by” line to fill any empty seats.
- Books will be available for purchase at the event.