Way back in the days of not-so-smart flip phones, when YouTube had only just launched its very first video —we had a bold idea: to celebrate children’s literacy with a brand-new event just for kids. It was only a couple of weeks after Tom Cruise famously jumped on Oprah’s couch, declaring his love for Katie Holmes. On June 4, 2005, the very first Children’s Festival of Reading burst onto the scene.
It was a hot and muggy day, but when the gates opened, and families came streaming in—hundreds of them—we knew instantly that this was something special. Clifford the Big Red Dog was there. Storytellers filled the air with imagination. Kids created art, danced to music, and fell in love with books. That first Festival was joyful, energetic, and unforgettable. And every year since, it has grown bigger, brighter, and better. Even award-winning!
This year, we are thrilled to celebrate 20 years of the Children’s Festival of Reading. Think about that for a moment: some of the children who attended those early festivals may now be returning with children of their own. As best we can tell, ours is the oldest continuously operating children’s book festival in the country. Are there others? Sure—but many are academic in nature. Ours was created for families, built around joy, imagination, and the pure magic of reading. And yes—we’re claiming it!
Over the years, the Festival has welcomed true giants of children’s literature. Anna Dewdney shared the world of Llama Llama Red Pajama. Mo Willems took the stage and reassured us all that his pigeons never—ever drove the bus. One unforgettable year, Judy Schachner, creator of the beloved Skippyjon Jones series, had a signing line so long and so devoted that even after the Festival ended and the tents were coming down—one literally brushing her head—she kept signing until every last child had their moment. That’s the kind of magic this Festival creates.
In 2010, we hosted Jack Gantos and Chris Raschka—just months before they went on to win the Newbery and Caldecott Medals. I like to think the Festival had at least a little something to do with that.
There are far too many moments, memories, and milestones to capture them all here. But this little town of ours knows how to throw an incredible festival, and the Library’s Children’s Festival of Reading stands proudly among the very best.
And this year—our 20th anniversary—we are delighted to welcome back some of the authors who helped shape our story and inspire generations of readers. Join us on May 16 from 10-3 in World’s Fair Park.
Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.
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