The Talbot County Free Library is gearing up to celebrate the 11th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival (CCBF), on Saturday, June 6th, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Easton Branch on 100 W Dover Street.
The festival is a free, one-day event that celebrates early literacy, community, and the joy of reading — rain or shine. It’s also the launch of the Talbot County Free Library’s popular Summer Reading Program. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities for the entire family, including author readings, crafts, games, giveaways, music, and more. Children who sign up at the Festival for Summer Reading will receive a voucher for one free book from one of the 22 visiting authors while supplies last.
“In our current age of distraction, attending the book festival is not only joyous, but supports engaging in reading books and being read to, which supports a love of reading that lasts a lifetime” said Senior Youth Services Librarian, Laura Powell. “Children have the rare opportunity to engage face to face, one-on-one with authors who have written either a picture book or a chapter book. Authors at the festival get to connect with the child as well, cultivating community in this socially and emotionally connecting experience.”
The festival will bring together nationally and regionally recognized children’s book creators. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the authors, discover new stories, and participate in hands-on experiences that bring stories to life – including an expansive pop-up book collection.
Many of these writers have earned awards for their work, and all were carefully chosen in a thorough selection process. As always, they’re excited to meet and interact with their young fans. Throughout the day of the festival, authors and illustrators will be available to discuss their books, and several of the authors will be giving readings.
This year’s festival will also include an appearance from the beloved Opera Bears, Maryland Opera’s talent trio of performers and their bear puppets who dazzle children with spectacular singing and storytelling. The trio will perform at 1:00 p.m. in the Children’s Area. Additionally, the Easton Volunteer Fire Department will have one of their fire engines at the festival for families to explore.
Funding for the festival has been provided in part by contributions from the Friends of the Talbot County Free Library, Easton Utilities, the Talbot County Government, What’s Up Media, Olde School Builders LLC, and Flying Cloud Booksellers.
The following partner organizations will help us celebrate CCBF 11; The Friends of the Library, the Judy Center, Imagination Library, Critchlow Adkins Childcare Center, Master Gardeners, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Girl Scouts, the Talbot County Women’s Club, and Flying Cloud Booksellers.
For more information about the 11th Annual Chesapeake Children’s Book Festival, including a biography of each participating author and illustrator and a schedule of the day’s events, please visit https://chesapeakechildrensbookfestival.com/ or call 410-822-1626.
