ORANGE : Multicultural Book Fair Set for Saturday

In response to the Los Angeles riots and the increasing diversity of the city’s population, the Central Library is holding a multicultural book fair Saturday to introduce children of all backgrounds to books.

“There need to be alternatives to gangs, drugs and violence and crime,” said Anthony Garcia, director of the Friendly Stop branch of the Orange Public Library. “We need to tell kids there are alternatives. And what better medium than the written word.”

Puppet shows and gypsy jugglers, authors, actors, dancers and musicians will be among the entertainers turning out for “Books in the Hood.”

“We are not reading like we should,” Garcia said. “We need to promote books with an MTV-style approach and make them fun, exciting and flashy.”

Celebrities expected to attend the five-hour fair include actors Danny de la Paz and Poncho Gomez from the movie “American Me,” former first baseman for the California Angels Jim Ephart, and Los Angeles Rams football player Jackie Slater.

Fictional celebrities Madeleine, Fievel the Mouse and Clifford the Dog will also drop in from their places in children’s books to chat with their young fans, Garcia said.

Children and their parents can also hear rap groups Aztlan Nation and Jalapeno Chillin’ or watch the artistry of Mexican dance groups Relampago del Cielo and Ballet Folklorico Renacimiento. And the Venice-based theatrical group Imagination Company will re-enact the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the Americas from the point of view of the Indians who greeted him.

“Books in the Hood” is scheduled from noon to 5 p.m. at the Orange Central Library, 101 N. Center St. For more information, call (714) 288-2467.