Raising readers feels more important than ever. In a world where technology competes for attention at increasingly younger ages, opportunities that make books feel exciting, interactive, and relevant have never been more valuable.
That is what made the Sullivan County Youth Book Festival in Monticello such a meaningful experience.
Weekly library visits have recently become a favorite after-school activity, and this festival felt like a natural extension of that growing interest in books and storytelling.
The event was welcoming and thoughtfully designed. Rows of authors showcased their books and engaged directly with young readers. Families moved between character appearances, book signings, face painting, hands-on activities, and live music, while food and coffee trucks added to the festive atmosphere. One especially meaningful moment was the awards ceremony recognizing children who tracked their reading hours throughout the year, celebrating the commitment and joy that reading can bring.
For an 18-month-old who has recently started recognizing familiar storybook characters, seeing Clifford the Big Red Dog in person brought books to life in a way that felt truly magical. Llama Llama and other familiar characters added to the fun, creating moments of recognition and wonder throughout the festival.
For a five-year-old, the standout experience was meeting authors, asking questions, and selecting books independently. That sense of ownership is what helps turn reading from an activity into a genuine interest.
From an event professional's perspective, the festival was equally impressive. The layout was simple, the flow was easy to navigate, and every element felt intentional without feeling overproduced. Creating an experience that feels effortless is never easy, especially in a community setting, and the organizers, volunteers, authors, and sponsors deserve tremendous credit. Thank you!!!
A few days later, the experience continued when we got a call from the library about the raffle we entered (we won!!) The Alpacas Make Great Librarians by Kristi Maholmes, along with a small alpaca companion. The girls have talked about the festival ever since, which may be the best measure of success.
Events like the Sullivan County Youth Book Festival do more than promote reading. They create positive associations with books, stories, and learning. They give children opportunities to connect with authors, discover new characters, and experience reading as something fun and engaging.
In small communities like ours, we often rely on local organizations, volunteers, and neighboring towns to create experiences like these. We may not have access to the same volume of programming found in larger cities, which is exactly what makes these events so important. They foster curiosity, build connections, and create memories.
And yes... there is already anticipation for next year's festival!
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