Authors In April was founded in 1983 by a small group of community leaders. In the early years, three authors were invited to visit elementary school students. The program was later expanded to include middle schools and the authors’ visit was lengthened from three to five days.

The goal of the Authors In April is to encourage students to read as well as to appreciate a variety of literature while improving their own creative writing abilities.

To date, area schools have hosted dozens of authors and illustrators who have graciously shared their wit and knowledge of writing and illustrating in addition to autographing treasured volumes.

Authors In April, Inc. will be the featured organization in the Rochester  Downtown Development Authority's Spring Gallery Stroll. Participating galleries will host students' Authors In April-related artwork. Art teachers at many of the participating schools coordinate projects tied in with the authors’ books. The quality and creativity of the artwork is impressive, and Authors In April is pleased to be able to share some of that artwork with the community.