September 9, 2015

Princeton Children’s Book Festival Marks 10 Years of Words and Pictures

Childrens Book Fest

It’s back, and it’s bigger and better than ever.

“It” is the Princeton Public Library’s annual Children’s Book Festival, which will be held this year in Hinds Plaza on Saturday, September 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

This year is particularly special: it’s the festival’s 10th anniversary, and Youth Services Librarian Allison Santos, who has been its guiding hand since its inception, “can’t believe it. Over the years the event just continues to grow, and this is our biggest event yet.” Some 105 authors and illustrators will be participating, reported Ms. Santos, coming from as far away as Australia (“we’ve gone international,” Ms. Santos said happily) and as close as Brooklyn, (the “hub of children’s literature”). Sophie Blackall (of Ivy and Bean fame); Caldecott Aware winner Brian Floca (Locomotive); Michael Buckley (The Sisters Grimm and the N.E.R.D.S. book series); Jerry Pallotta (Eyeball Alphabet Book), and “queen of tween” author Wendy Mass are just a few of the talents who will be making appearances on Saturday.

“When we first discussed the possibility of sponsoring a children’s book festival more than 10 years ago it was one of many ideas that we thought would bring the then-new library alive for the community,” recalled Princeton Public Library Director Leslie Burger a few days ago. “We had no idea what to expect, nor any sense that it would be more than a one time event. But here we are ten years later with this not-to-be missed children’s book event that is a day of celebration for the thousands of readers who attend, for the authors and illustrators who connect with their readers in an intimate and festive location, and for the library and its staff.”

Ms. Santos concurs. “Everyone in Youth Services is involved in planning and preparation in one form or another, so it really is a whole Youth Services endeavor,” she said, citing, in particular, this year’s contributions of Caroline Quinones, a new library associate. It goes beyond Youth Services, she notes: “Everyone in the library is so supportive.”

As for the authors and illustrators, said Ms. Santos, “everyone wants to be here.” In addition to keeping a good mix of authors and illustrators, “we are always trying bring in new talent,” and although the event typically features an all “star roster” of children’s book creators, Ms. Santos is careful to give just-starting-out authors and illustrators a chance to participate.

“It’s so easy to think of all the big name people who are out there — and of course you want to get great names — but we also recognize that there are so many fabulous new authors and illustrators who have just published their first or second book, and they’re a perfect fit,” she observed. Ms. Santos also draws inspiration for her choices from the American Library Association’s call for greater representation of diversity in picture books. Readers should “be able to see themselves in multicultural depictions,” she observed, and participants are selected with that in mind.

“The conversation about it goes on all year long,” said Ms. Santos. “People will come up to me and tell me how wonderful the event is — then they give me their own wish list.” Relationships cultivated with authors and illustrators over the years are a particular source of pleasure, and she sometimes even taps into them for the ultimate in reference help when she’s approached by “a parent who’s completely stumped” about something.

While acknowledging that the event “does tend to generate more interest in families with young people,” Ms. Santos also wisely observes that, “you’re never too old for picture books.”

When asked about her thoughts on the Children’s Book Festival, Ms. Burger, who will be retiring at the end of the year, wistfully observed that “This is the beginning of many ‘lasts’ for me. It’s a day to smile and to be thankful for our enthusiastic community of readers and learners.”

Books will be for sale at the festival through JaZams, which will donate 20 percent directly back to the library’s Youth Services Department. The first 200 people who purchase books will receive free 10th anniversary commemorative tee shirts for children. Visitors are also encouraged to bring their own copies of authors’ and illustrators’ books to be signed.

For more details visit http://bookfestival.princetonlibrary.org.