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Sunday | Monday | Tuesday

Sunday, March 8, 2026

• Luncheon

  12:30 PM, Elliot Student Union 237 A and B

  Every year we offer a Sunday luncheon attended by the majority of our visiting authors and illustrators. Ticket holders line up outside the door and the room is opened up at 12:30 for folks to come in and choose with whom they would like to share a meal. There are usually 1 or 2 presenters per table. There are remarks by the festival director, welcoming of the presenters and then a presentation by the Gilbert-Sadler series speaker.

  The Gilbert-Sadler Speaker for 2026 is Roland Smith. This Speaker Series is generously supported with a gift through the UCM Alumni Foundation by Becky Klein, the daughter of Philip Sadler, co-founder of our Festival. Please consider joining us for this special Sunday event! Authors are available after the luncheon to autograph books. Please note: tickets must be purchased in advance of this event.

• Book Sales

  11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Elliot Student Union Ballroom (Rooms 236, 238, 240) - free and open to the public

• Book Signings

  2:30 PM - 3:30 PM, Elliot Student Union Atrium - free and open to the public

Monday, March 9, 2026

• Author Presentations

  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, various locations

  Presentations for grades 3–10 run in 6 sessions (35–40 min). Early registration is encouraged.

  Some presenters may be available to sign books after each presentation. Signed book plates are available with purchases at Book Sales.

• Book Sales

  8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Elliot Student Union Ballroom (Rooms 236, 238, 240)

• Lunch

  Any time, various locations

  Bring your own lunch, or explore campus/local dining options. Please eat in the Elliott Student Union only if you’ve purchased your lunch there.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Attend author or illustrator presentations, get books signed, and support the festival through book sales!

• Author Presentations

  9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, various locations

  Same format as Monday. Online registration opens in January.

  Signed book plates available for purchases made at Book Sales.

• Lunch

  Bring your own lunch, or explore campus/local dining options.

• Book Sales

  8:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Elliot Student Union Ballroom (Rooms 236, 238, 240)