A Free Day of Stories, Fun & Discovery
The Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley brings Book Fest back to downtown Elmira for a full day of free, family-friendly fun. Spread across Wisner Park and inside LECOM Event Center, Book Fest 2026 is built around the joy of reading — with live performances, animals, crafts, and plenty of stories to go around.
Designed for kids infant through grade 6 and their families, it's a community celebration where every child leaves with a free new book — and probably a new favorite story.
What to Expect
Free Books for Kids
Every child takes home a free new book while supplies last
Petting Zoo
Live animals inside LECOM Event Center — touch, explore, and learn
Live Entertainment
Music, magic, juggling, stilt walking, and puppetry all day long
Meet Local Authors
Sit down with children's authors and a local illustrator
Scavenger Hunt
An adventure hunt winding across the entire event
Games & Crafts
Hands-on activities and interactive booths throughout the park
Live Entertainment
John Simon
Children's Music
Ithaca-based musician known for sing-along magical fun, with deep roots performing in Elmira-area schools.
John Wolfson
Magic, Juggling & Stilt Walking
A lifelong performer with thousands of shows across the US and nine countries.
Richard Hughson
Puppetry & Walk-Around Entertainment
Over 30 years of experience in mime, magic, martial arts, and physical comedy.
Meet the Authors & Illustrator
Kevin Coolidge
Totally Ninja Raccoons series · 15 children's books
Charde Vera
Affirmation books & guided journals for kids
Jessica Janowsky
Stories about kindness, love, and mindfulness
Katrina Morse
Author, illustrator & art educator from Ithaca
Patrick T. Fibbs
60+ books including The Undead Kid Diaries
Lee O'Connell
Watercolor artist & illustrator
Community Partners
Tanglewood Nature Center · Friends of the Chemung River Watershed · GST BOCES Animal Sciences · Cornell Cooperative Extension · The National Soaring Museum · CIDS · and more
Event Details
📚 Free Books for Kids
Every child takes home a free new book while supplies last.
May 9, 2026 · 10 AM – 2 PM · Wisner Park & LECOM Event Center
Go Wild for Books
Presented by the Family Reading Partnership of Chemung Valley
Learn More