The Word On The Street is an annual one-day national book and magazine family festival celebrating literacy and the written arts. Held in four cities across Canada simultaneously on the last Sunday in September - Vancouver, Kitchener, Toronto and Halifax - The Word on the Street promotes the importance of literacy with free exhibits, performances and hands-on activities.

2009 marks the eighth anniversary for the Kitchener festival.  This year's program features seven event tents, exceptional live entertainment, a stellar lineup of children and adult authors, intriguing panel discussions/workshops and more than 20 exhibitors representing Waterloo Region's thriving writing arts community.

Mission Statement
To unite the country in a national, annual celebration of reading and writing, and to highlight the importance of literacy in the lives of all Canadians.

Concept
To feature The Word on the Street festival in cities throughout the country to achieve the following objectives on a national level.

Objectives
To bring writing, publishing and literacy communities together to heighten the awareness and encourage and foster a positive attitude towards literacy.  To emphasize the joy of reading, and enhance public appreciation of the printed word in a fun and completely accessible environment.  To increase the public awareness of, and interest in, the quality and quantity of Canadian authored/produced books and magazines, thereby stimulating the demand to purchase and invest in Canadian talent.