Paradise Valley Community College’s Festival of Tales once again transformed the college campus into a joyful celebration of literacy, imagination and community, drawing more than 1,500 people for a day dedicated to storytelling and learning. With 1,191 registered participants, including 569 adults and 622 children, families from across the Valley came together for a day of stories, hands-on activities and learning. Powered by more than 300 volunteers and table hosts, including PVCC students, faculty, local high school students, community members and even local baseball players, PVCC’s Festival of Tales showcased what’s possible when a community rallies around education.
“This event is really about community,” said Meggin Kirk, director of PVCC’s Education Program. “It’s about bringing families together, connecting them with resources, and creating meaningful experiences for children, students, and organizations. Festival of Tales allows PVCC to open its doors and show who we are. It’s a place to share our values, programs, and our commitment to serving the community.”
What began in 2009 as a small literacy initiative has grown into a powerful community tradition. Volunteers for December’s event included 119 PVCC students, 62 local high school students, more than 28 PVCC baseball players, 40 faculty and staff members, and more than 50 community volunteers.Together, they hosted activity booths, supported performances, distributed books, and welcomed families throughout the day.
“Festival of Tales is one of those events where you can truly feel the energy,” said Dr. Jana Schwartz, PVCC President. “Families are learning together, children are discovering the joy of reading and community partners are building lasting connections. This isn’t just a single day on campus, it’s a shared investment in literacy, belonging, and opportunity for the next generation.
A wide range of community partners and PVCC programs contributed to the day, including Adelante, Southwest Human Development (a key sponsor of the free book giveaway), Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health (NOAH), Kitchen on the Street, Desert Financial Credit Union, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice, Girl Scouts, Oasis Church, Starbucks, Deer Valley Family Resource Center, and Paradise Valley Family Resource Center. PVCC groups such as the Ceramics Club and Ceramics Department, STEAM Club and MakerSpace, Nursing, Dietetics, and the PVCC Baseball Team added hands-on activities and high-energy engagement throughout the campus.
For many families, the highlight of the event was the opportunity to build home libraries. Thousands of free books were distributed through booth giveaways and the popular red-ticket Book Walk. One parent shared, “Getting books for our home library was amazing,” while another noted, “My 20-month-old loves books and music, and he absolutely loved reading while listening to the guitarist.”
Storytime sessions, live performances, coding activities, face painting, crafts, and STEAM experiences filled the day. Parents repeatedly commented on the variety and accessibility of activities for all ages. “There was something to do at every stop,” a caregiver said. “My daughter is two and a half, and she wasn’t left out at all.”
Volunteers and students played a key role in shaping the experience. Attendees frequently mentioned how welcoming and enthusiastic the environment was. “Everyone was really nice,” one family wrote. “The volunteers were incredibly helpful, informative, and friendly.” Another added, “The involvement of the older students made such a difference; you could feel their excitement.”
For PVCC students, especially future educators, the event offered hands-on experience working with children and families in an authentic setting. “Festival of Tales brings everything we teach to life,” Kirk said. “Our students see firsthand how stories build confidence, spark curiosity, and create meaningful connections. That’s powerful.”
Families described the event as a tradition they look forward to returning to year after year. “We love this event and have come to everyone since we first heard about it,” one parent shared. Others echoed the sentiment: “This was an incredible day,” “We didn’t even get to see everything,” and “Please keep this tradition going.”
As PVCC continues to strengthen its partnerships and expand opportunities for community engagement, Festival of Tales remains a signature example of what can happen when education, literacy, and community come together with joy, intention, and heart.