DOVER — The Delaware Libraries today announced two local events in coordination with the 2026 Library of Congress National Book Festival in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

These two upcoming free events are presented by the Delaware Center for the Book as part of the National Book Festival's "Festival Near You" initiative. 

The first event will take place tomorrow, Friday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Kent County Public Library, and will feature Delaware illustrator Elizabeth Traynor. 

The second "Festival Near You" event will be hosted at the Lewes Public Library on Sunday, September 13 at 5 p.m. With Delaware author Josh Hitchens. 

"Delaware Libraries are thrilled to bring the enthusiasm of the National Book Festival to the First State this year," said Anne Hiller Clark, Acting Director of Delaware Libraries. "Libraries are proud to share curiosity, joy, and the love of reading year-round, but especially excited to share the incredible authors and illustrators from our state."

Since 2002, each Affiliate Center for the Book has chosen a book for Young Readers that in some way represents the state’s or territory’s literary heritage. Beginning in 2022, each Affiliate Center for the Book was also asked to choose a book for Adult Readers, in addition to a book for Young Readers.

Each year, the Affiliate Centers come to Washington for the National Book Festival and participate in the Roadmap to Reading, a giant space at the Washington Convention Center where each state and territory’s booth features these “Great Reads” books and provides information about their states or territories. Last year, thousands of book lovers visited the tables of the Affiliates and learned about the “Great Reads from Great Places” list.

The 2026 Delaware Young Readers’ Selection is F is for First State, featuring Traynor's illustrations and written by Carol Crane. As the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, Delaware rightfully earned its nickname of the “First State.” Though small in size, it is a treasure trove of history, brought vividly to life through Traynor’s engaging and award-winning artwork.

The 2026 Delaware Adult Readers’ Selection is Haunted History of Delaware, written by Josh Hitchens. The book explores the First State’s most famous ghost stories, haunted locations, and supernatural legends, blending folklore with historical research. It takes readers on a journey through Delaware’s eerie past, from haunted mansions and battlefields to mysterious local legends and unexplained phenomena.

The Delaware Libraries will also celebrate their 125^th anniversary and Delaware's authors, illustrators, and literacy programs, at the National Book Festival in the nation's capital. Free tickets are available through the Library of Congress. To attend, you must register in advance. 

The Delaware Center for the Book also supports the Summer Library Reading Program (SLRP) promotes reading during the summer months to Delaware’s children.

For a full listing of programs and special events at Delaware Libraries, visit the LibCal website.