KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 18th annual Knoxville Children's Festival of Reading will begin on Saturday in World's Fair Park.
This reading festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the park on May 18. It officially kicks off the Knox County Public Library's summer reading program.
"Snap a selfie with a character, sing along in the music tent, be amazed in the Science and Discovery tent, sit on the edge of your seat for a great yarn in the Storytelling Tent, splash and play in Toddler Town and so much more," the library said.
The event will feature a variety of artists including Alan Gratz, Ashlyn Anstee, Gale Galligan and many more.
There will also be a variety of costumed storybook characters including "Paddington Bear," "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus" and characters from "Where the Wild Things Are."
Visitors at the event can make their way to the Summer Library Club tent to register for the Summer Library Adventure, the library said.
"Our summer learning adventure rewards kids, teens and adults for reading or listening during the summer," the library said. "When you’ve met your goal, return to any library location to receive a Read City prize."
The library also said kids and teens can earn a reward book full of prizes like pizza, skating, arcade play and bowling.
There will also be a WBIR table at the event where visitors can meet the team!
WBIR will be helping kids make a microphone and will be taking pictures with those who visit for the craft.