Children's Author Events at the Library

The Free Library of Philadelphia — Multiple Locations

The Free Library of Philadelphia hosts frequent author events for adults and children alike. Many of the children's author events are even interactive!

Upcoming: Check out Thembi Palmer, author of This Book Will Make You Do Things at Lucien E. Blackwell Library on July 21, 2025 and Haverford Libraries (July 23, 2025). Filled with props, instruments, and dancing, this event is sure to get you moving! Pierce Freelon, Grammy-nominated author of Daddy and Me: Side by Side, brings books and music together for an interactive book reading and performance at Parkway Central and Cecil B. Moore Libraries on July 30, 2025. The event will feature a hands-on "sound garden" for kids.

Philadelphia Bookstores that Host Children's Authors

Main Point Books — Wayne

Main Point Books hosts a weekly storytime over the summer as well as book clubs, classes, and adult author events throughout the year. 

Upcoming: Local children’s authors Ellen Ramsey (A Book for Bear) and Angela De Groot (Not Pop-Pop) will be the guests of honor at a special summer storytime on July 29, 2025.

Barnes and Noble — Multiple Locations

Most Barnes and Noble locations have weekly children's storytimes, and they sometimes bring in authors to read their own books.

Upcoming: On August 16, 2025, local author Phoebe Gogia (Velvet Griffin Magician series) reads her rhyming math story at the Valley Forge location. This storytime also includes a magic show!

A Novel Idea on Passyunk — South Philadelphia

A Novel Idea has a monthly evening storytime specifically designed with working parents in mind. They also offer book clubs and workshops for adults.

Upcoming: Illustrator Alyssa Nassner will be reading her pun-filled book, Apple of My Eye, at their storytime on August 27, 2025.

Treehouse Books — North Philadelphia

Treehouse Books offers literacy programs, book swaps, and more for all ages! They also have a giving library and a traveling book bus that distribute books for free.

Upcoming: On September 6, 2025, Treehouse Books will be hosting Philadelphia Literacy Day, an annual celebration of books and reading. Although specific authors have not been announced yet, they plan to bring in local and national authors for readings and signings (as well as music, food, and therapy animals!). 

Children's Book World — Haverford

Children's Book World hosts author events for kids and teens at least once a month. These events typically feature a reading by the author, an opportunity for conversation, and a book signing.

Upcoming: Come to Children's Book World on September 14, 2025 to hear #1 New York Times-bestselling author Katherine Applegate (of Animorphs fame) share her new book Pocket Bear, the story of a brave stuffed bear. Bring your favorite stuffy with you!

8. Other Bookstores — Multiple Locations

Big Blue Marble Bookstore in Mt. Airy and Head House Books in Philadelphia are fantastic local bookstores as well that sometimes host children’s authors visits and plan to have more in the future, but don’t currently have any scheduled.

Annual Book Festivals in Philadelphia with Children's Authors

Indie Author Book Fair — Center City

Described as "a day of discovery, creativity, and connection," this annual celebration of independent authors takes place in August every year at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The event features guest authors and has a dedicated children's area with book readings and literacy activities.

Collingswood Book Festival — Collingswood

This award-winning festival is the largest and longest-running literacy celebration in the Delaware Valley. The festival takes place every year in October. The line-up always includes a variety of children's authors and entertainers. 

The African American Children's Book Fair — Center City

Held at the Pennsyvania Convention Center every February, this free literacy celebration is hosted by the African American Children's Book Project.

Other Locations in Philadelphia with Author-Led Storytimes

The Please Touch Museum — Fairmount

The Please Touch Museum regularly offers storytimes as a part of their programming, and sometimes brings in children's authors to host them.

Upcoming: On July 27th, 2025, Thembi Palmer will be leading an interactive guest storytime inspired by the importance of social-emotional school readiness.