Adventure begins on Saturday, May 18, 2024!
The 18th Children's Festival of Reading is presented by Comcast.
Join us for an epic day in World's Fair Park celebrating books, authors, and the literary arts.
Snap a selfie with a character, sing along in the music tent, be amazed in the Science and Discovery tent, sit on the edge of your seat for a great yarn in the Storytelling Tent, splash and play in Toddler Town, and so much more.
Meet featured authors Alan Gratz, Cozbi Cabrera, Gale Galligan, Deb Pilutti, Antwan Eady and Ashlyn Anstee, along with costumed storybook characters from Paddington Bear, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, and Where the Wild Things Are.
Read more about our performers below, and stay tuned for performance schedules!
2024 Featured Artists & Performers
Science with Dr. Al Hazari
More DetailsStorybook Characters
More DetailsStorytelling, Music, & More
More DetailsKick off our Summer Library Adventure!
Be sure to visit the Summer Library Club tent at the Festival to register.
Our summer learning adventure rewards kids, teens, and adults for reading or listening during the summer. When you’ve met your goal, return to any Library location to receive a Read City prize.
Kids and Teens also earn a reward book full of treats and adventures like pizza, skating, arcade play, bowling, and more!
Volunteers needed
Volunteers make our festival work! You can help with anything from load-in to book signings, lab assistant, arts & crafts, greeting guests, and more.
FAQs
Thanks to the University of Tennessee, free and convenient parking will be available at the 11th Street Parking Garage. Free parking is also available at the Blackstock lot on Grand Avenue, Locust Street Garage, the Market Street Garage, and on the street. This map of the parking options will help you plan.
Rain or shine, the Festival will go on! We'll still be having a great time, so throw on some galoshes and come on down, barring any extreme weather events. Many activities, booths, and stages are under tents, and there are places to seek shelter (and enjoy a show), such as the Amphitheater.
Yes, public restrooms are located near the stairs at the Clinch Ave. bridge. A family care/nursing tent will also be available.
Yes. Food vendors will have a variety of options available for purchase.
Yes. All activities and performances hosted by the Library and its community partners are free. Some vendors will have merchandise or food for sale. The nearest ATM is located in Maker Exchange in the bottom level of the Marriott.
Accessibility
The Children's Festival of Reading is committed to making our event accessible to everyone, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Please contact Jennifer Harrell (jharrell@knoxlib.org or (865) 215-8713) if you require special accommodations to make your visit to the Festival the best it can be.
Vendor registration
YOU make our festival wonderful! Vendor registration for all businesses, non-profits, and local authors is now closed and all spaces are full for 2024.
If you need assistance or would like to receive information about next year's festival contact jharrell@knoxlib.org.