Families across Coastal Delaware are all invited to celebrate reading, creativity, and community at the Sussex County Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, May 2nd, 2026. 

Hosted by the Milton Public Library, the festival describes itself as a free and fun-filled day of literacy, arts, education, and community.

Now in its fourth year, the festival brings the community together for a day that feels equal parts book fair and family celebration.

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A Day Centered on Books and Imagination

The Sussex County Children’s Book Festival is built around one main idea: making literacy exciting and accessible for young readers. 

Throughout the day, children and families will have the opportunity to meet and greet with children’s authors and attend live Story Times on stage.

The festival offers a full schedule of interactive experiences, including:

• Pony rides and a petting zoo
• An inflatable obstacle course
• A tour of the Bookmobile
• Face painting and balloon artistry

Visitors can also stop by the tables of librarians from Sussex County Libraries to explore resources and discover new adventures through books. 

Literacy vendors and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library will be part of the event, along with a visit from Delaware’s own, Baby Blue.

Local food trucks and vendors will be on site, offering a variety of options for families who want to make a full day of it.

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Meet the Authors

One of the highlights of the festival is the chance for children to connect directly with the writers behind their favorite stories. 

Some of the authors scheduled to attend include:

• Jay Cooper
• Meg Auchenbach
• Lura Parnum
• Kathy MacMillan
• Nancy Johnson James
• Jonathan Roth
• Victoria Pannell & Thorir Sigfusson

And that is only part of the lineup. More authors will be stopping by throughout the day, giving families plenty of chances to discover new stories and connect with the people who write them. 

At different times, many of these authors will take the stage to read their books aloud, bringing their characters to life in a way that feels special and up close for young listeners.

Hosted by a Library at the Heart of the Community

The festival could not have a better home. The Milton Public Library has long been a central part of the community, offering free access to books, media, programs, and helpful services in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.

Its mission focuses on improving quality of life in Milton by encouraging lifelong learning and a genuine love of reading. 

Visitors can borrow everything from books and magazines to DVDs, audiobooks, and digital materials. Public computers are available for research, internet access, and everyday needs.

Beyond lending materials, the space hosts story times, craft sessions, summer reading programs, school visits, outreach initiatives, discussion groups, and special programs throughout the year. 

The vision behind it all is simple: strong communities grow around strong libraries.

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A Celebration of Literacy in Coastal Delaware

The Sussex County Children’s Book Festival reflects the spirit of that vision. 

With authors signing books, librarians sharing resources, and families spending the day together, the festival turns reading into something lively and social.

For parents, it is an opportunity to introduce children to new books and reinforce the importance of reading. 

For young attendees, it is a day filled with entertainment, hands-on activities, and the excitement of meeting real authors.

Event details:

• Address: 121 Union Street, Milton
• Time: From 10am to 2pm

If you want more updates on local events, community programs, and family-friendly activities across Coastal Delaware, be sure to follow our blog and check back regularly!