Columbus Children’s Book Festival is set. Here’s what to expect
The 11th edition of the Columbus Children’s Book Festival returns to the Columbus Public Library Saturday, providing lovers of kids literature a plethora of crafts, games, entertainers and more. It’s scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
There are also chances to meet several popular authors. The following authors will each have two autograph/meet-and-greet sessions:
Louis Sachar, author of “Holes” and the “Wayside School “series. Sessions from 11:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:15-1:45 p.m.
Sandra Markle, author of more than 200 children’s books. Sessions from 10:45-11:15 a.m. and from 12:30-1 p.m.
John Patrick Green, the New York Times bestselling creator of the “InvestiGators” series and “Kitten Construction Company.” Sessions from 11-11:30 a.m. and from 12:45-1:15 p.m.
C.G. Esperanza, a graffiti-inspired illustrator, whose books like “Boogie Boogie, Y’all” and “Soul Food Sunday” have won Caldecott and Coretta Scott King honors. Sessions from 11:15-11:45 a.m. and from 1-1:30 p.m.
The library’s Summer Reading Challenge theme this year is “Unearth a Story.” At the festival, they will have several dinosaur-related events throughout the day.
Also related to the Summer Reading Challenge is the Scavenger Safari. Ten images related to the challenge will be hidden around the festival. Families can use the library’s Safari Tracker to record each one they find. Participants will get a prize, entered into a drawing for a Visa gift cards and earn points toward the Unearth a Story challenge.
Festival activities include DJs, face painters, food trucks and the following:
Craft-o-mania, with crafts and play activities, and selfie stations inspired by the festival’s authors.
Simple Steps Garden, a play and craft area for kids up to 5 years old.
Festival Bookstore, featuring works by participating authors, who will autograph the books. Credit cards and cash will be accepted. It’s sponsored by Columbus Bound Books.
Costume Characters, including InvestiGators Mango + Brash, and Esteban the Crayon, will greet guests throughout the day.
The festival is produced by the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.
This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 1:41 PM.
