Book Festival in the News

May 22, 2025

Festival plans to return to Columbia-Greene Community College in 2026 Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

(Hudson, NY) The volunteer-run nonprofit Hudson Children’s Book Festival, Inc. (HCBF) will return to Columbia-Greene Community College for its 15th festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026. By every measure, the event was a great success in its first year at the CGCC and first year as a registered charity, according to the Board of Directors. HCBF looks forward to returning to the CGCC campus next year, bringing the love of literacy to more children in the region.

HCBF President Jen Nixon said, “We have heard nothing but good things from authors, illustrators, attendees, and our sponsors about this year’s festival at Columbia-Greene Community College. We are delighted to accept the offer to return next May for our 15th festival. This annual literacy celebration would not have been possible without our amazing partners and sponsors, including our bookseller, Spotty Dog Books & Ale, the Hudson Literacy Fund, the Galvan Foundation, Pulcher Transportation, other supporters, and dozens of hard-working volunteers.”

The HCBF remains among New York State’s largest children’s book festivals. It was established in 2009 by educators Lisa Dolan and Maria Suttmeier. As of October 2024, Hudson Children’s Book Festival, Inc. became a 501(c)3 charity, overseen by a volunteer seven-person board comprised of dedicated teachers, authors and community members committed to expanding literacy in the region.

The May 3rd event brought over 80 children’s and young adult authors and illustrators to CGCC to the delight of approximately 2,000 attendees from communities throughout the area.

Among the award-winning nationally recognized artists and authors who shared space with local and new creators were Sophie Blackall, Nancy Castaldo, Josh Funk, Lesa Cline-Ransome, Rajani LaRocca, Kyle Lukoff, Torrey Maldonado, Padma Venkatraman, and Jerry Craft, who also designed the 2025 festival poster. A full list of participants can be found here.

FREE BOOKS FOR EVERY CHILD

In addition to being the first year at CGCC, it was also the first year the festival offered every child who walked through the door a free book of their choosing, which could be signed by the author on the day. In years past, only Hudson City School District students received vouchers for free books, courtesy of the Hudson Literacy Fund (HLF). This year, in addition to the HLF commitment, additional donors, including the Galvan Foundation, made it possible to extend the offer to every child in attendance. (See a full list of sponsors here.)

850 vouchers from both sources were redeemed. In total, bookseller Spotty Dog Books & Ale reported selling 2,600 books in total. That’s over 250 more than in 2024. Festival goers also had access to 1,200 free books, purchased with grant money provided by the HRBT Foundation.

In addition to months-long planning and hours of setting up, a cadre of more than 40 unpaid students, teachers, librarians and other volunteers kept the day running smoothly by helping families find their favorite authors as well as supporting authors and illustrators.

Food trucks, popcorn, cotton candy, and a Community Room–with more than 30 nonprofit groups, vendors and sponsors hosting information tables, activities and giveaways–added to the day’s excitement. There was even an appearance by Clifford the Big Red Dog, who delighted festival goers by posing for pictures. (See the full list of Community Room participants here.)

Pulcher Transportation offered free bus loops from locations throughout the City of Hudson to the college, making the event accessible to city residents and travelers.

AUTHOR SCHOOL VISITS

Leading up to the festival day, HCBF facilitated author visits in Hudson schools. Authors Sophie Blackall, Josh Funk, and Theresa Eckler visited MC Smith Elementary School. Jerry Craft hosted an assembly at Hudson Junior High School and Laurie Stolarz taught creative writing workshops at Hudson Senior High School. These events were sponsored in part by the Hudson Teachers’ Association and M.C. Smith Parent Teacher’s Organization. In addition, HCBF was pleased to coordinate with Germantown PTSA to bring author Ruth Chan to Germantown Elementary School.

The HCBF looks forward to partnering with other local school districts in the future. Schools interested in hosting an author or illustrator should visit the HCBF website here.

2026 APPLICATIONS TO PARTICIPATE

Author/illustrator applications will be available for the 2026 HCBF on January 1, 2026, on the website. Sponsorships, vendor applications, media queries, and more can be found there as well. Follow HCBF announcements and other news on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT HCBF

Hudson Children’s Book Festival, Inc., established in 2009 in the historic City of Hudson, NY, strives to create, nurture and sustain a culture of literacy in partnership with our community and schools in Hudson and the surrounding areas. The mission is to foster a love of reading by connecting children with world-class authors and illustrators at the annual free festival and special school and community events. Since 2024, Hudson Children’s Book Festival is a 501(c)3 charity. Find us at: hudsonchildrensbookfestival.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

March 15, 2025

Festival to be held May 3, 2025 at Columbia-Greene Community College
Newly formed nonprofit will expand its reach beyond Hudson City Schools to bring the joy of literacy to others in the region

(Hudson, NY) In celebration of its 14th year, the Hudson Children’s Book Festival (HCBF) is making big changes to expand its mission to spread the love of reading and literacy to all children in Hudson and surrounding areas. The event location is moving to Columbia-Greene Community College and will be held again on the first Saturday in May–May 3, 2025. The event will host more than 75 creators and is expected to draw thousands of families.

Statement from Jen Nixon, President of HCBF: “With the move to Columbia-Greene Community College, HCBF will continue to reach and serve the Hudson City School District families. It will open new opportunities to connect children’s book creators with other school children in Columbia and Greene Counties and neighboring areas. Thank you to our sponsors, donors and volunteers who continue to make this one of the finest and largest children’s book festivals in New York State.”

Dr. Carlee Drummer, President of Columbia-Greene Community College noted, “With its mission to educate and reinforce the love of life-long learning, Columbia-Greene is delighted to host the Hudson Children’s Book Festival and help expand access to remarkable authors and illustrators for the children in Columbia and Greene Counties and beyond.”

Recognized as one of the State’s Largest Children’s Book Festivals

With over 75 children’s and young adult authors/illustrators, the HCBF is among New York State’s largest children’s book festivals. It was established in 2009 by educators Lisa Dolan and Maria Suttmeier.

Award-winning nationally recognized artists and authors share space with local and new creators at this special event, which they look forward to year after year. The authors planning to attend include Sophie Blackall, Nancy Castaldo, Josh Funk, Rajani LaRocca, Kyle Lukoff, Torrey Maldonado and Padma Venkatraman.

The Mission

Organizers say the Hudson Children’s Book Festival mission is expanding but it remains the same at its core. The all-volunteer organization will continue to create, sustain and nurture a culture of literacy in partnership with the community and schools for all area children.

Statement from Lisa Dolan & Maria Suttmeier, HCBF Founders: “When we started the festival in 2009, we dreamed it would make a difference in our community in some small way. We had no idea what the future would be. We are delighted HCBF has continued to nurture and sustain the love of reading and literacy in the Hudson area. We are also impressed with the continued support and engagement with local and world-class authors and illustrators. Our thanks to the new Board of HCBF, committed donors, and the hundreds of volunteers who give freely of their time to support this amazing mission.”

About the New Charity Status

As of October 4, 2024, HCBF became a self-sustaining registered 501(c)3 charity and will continue with the financial support of committed donors including The Hudson Literacy Fund, HRBT Foundation, Hudson Teachers’ Association, and others. Pulcher Transportation has graciously offered bus transportation for the children of Hudson and their families to and from Columbia-Greene Community College.

Statement from Christian Trimmer, President, The Hudson Literacy Fund: “The Hudson Literacy Fund is proud to continue its support of the HCBF as it expands its commitment to the children and families of the Hudson area. Being able to offer a free book to Hudson City School District students who attend the festival, will help us bring the love of reading and literacy to even more families. We congratulate the HCBF on taking this exciting next step in its mission.

The Board of Trustees comprises teachers and concerned community members who want to see the HCBF thrive and serve more children and families throughout our region.

About the new location:

The Hudson Children’s Book Festival will be held at Columbia-Greene Community College
May 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Parking will be available at the college.
Bus transportation will be available in and around the City of Hudson.

Community Involvement

In addition to the core book-related areas, HCBF makes available a meet-and-greet area for other nonprofits serving the community and sponsors. Food trucks and other vendors will be on hand to purchase drinks, snacks and lunches.

Hudson Children’s Book Festival – More than just one day

HCBF is focused on expanding the love of reading and bringing well-respected authors and illustrators to Columbia County by:

• Hosting and managing the annual volunteer-run free Hudson Children’s Book Festival, inviting every child and family who would like to attend
• Offering a free book of their choosing on the day to any Hudson City School District students who attends the Festival (courtesy of the Hudson Literacy Fund)
• Offering additional free books at the Festival
• Making free books available at other community events
• Creating opportunities for children and families to engage with authors and illustrators through school visits and other community events

Media note:

• An updated list of authors/illustrators can be found on the website.
• HCBF is held on the first Saturday of May each year.

About Hudson Children’s Book Festival

Hudson Children’s Book Festival, Inc., established in 2009 in the historic City of Hudson, NY, strives to create, nurture and sustain a culture of literacy in partnership with our community and schools in Hudson and the surrounding areas. The mission is to foster a love of reading by connecting children with world-class authors and illustrators at the annual free festival and special school and community events. Hudson Children’s Book Festival is a 501(c)3 charity. Find us at: https://hudsonchildrensbookfestival.org.

Mark Teague