More than 20 authors and illustrators of books for children through young adults will appear at the first Hillsborough Public Library’s Children’s Book Festival on Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The free event was created and is sponsored by the Library Advisory Board to provide an opportunity for kids to meet the people who write and illustrate the books they love.
Library Advisory Board President Judy Haas said, “There will be readings and other presentations by our authors, and books will be available for sale and signing. Discounts will be given to patrons with valid library cards. Proceeds from book sales will support activities and improvements at our library, which is the centerpiece of our community.”
The library, a branch of the Somerset County system, is in the municipal complex at 379 South Branch Road.
Among the authors scheduled to appear are Monica Wellington, Artie Bennett, Ana Lomba and Kit Grindstaff. Presentations will take place every 20 minutes.
Licia Gaber Baylis, coordinator of the festival, attended book fairs in other towns and said she was motivated to bring one to Hillsborough.
”We wanted to include all reading levels and make it a spectacular event, accessible to everyone,” she said. “A personal relationship between children and authors is very special — our youths will be able to talk to authors, hear them read, learn about the creative process, and even skip home happily with a book autographed just for them.”
For information, visit somerset.lib.nj.us/hilbookfest.html.

