Summer book fair coming to Children’s Museum in Holyoke

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – The Children’s Museum at Holyoke is thrilled to announce the return of their Summer Book Fair, a free three-day event that celebrates community and the joy of reading.

Taking place from July 26th to July 28th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the event aims to provide accessible literary resources to visitors of all ages and reading levels, ensuring no one leaves empty-handed.

The Book Fair will feature over 7,000 diverse new and used books across multiple genres and languages, including Baby Board Books and Young Adult titles. Every item is available on a pay-what-you-can sliding scale, allowing patrons to choose their price—even if that price is nothing but their participation in the event.

In addition to the vast selection of books, the event will offer a variety of free activities each day. These include face painting, a complimentary Ice Cream Social provided by Herrell’s Ice Cream and Bakery, and a storytime visit from local author Hannah Moushabeck. Each group of participants will receive a free entry into the Summer Book Fair raffle, with the option to purchase additional tickets for more chances to win over 15 different prizes.

Scheduled Activities:

• Face Painting: Friday, July 26th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Ice Cream Social: Saturday, July 27th at 12:30 p.m. while supplies last
• ‘Homeland’ Storytime with Hannah Moushabeck: Sunday, July 28th at 2:00 p.m.
• Bookmark Making and Coloring: Sunday, July 28th

Holyoke qualifies as a “book desert,” a term describing areas where access to reading materials is particularly challenging. This issue is exacerbated during the summer months when schools are closed, disproportionately affecting families experiencing high rates of poverty. The Children’s Museum at Holyoke aims to be a literary oasis, spreading the joy of reading throughout the community.

The thousands of books and raffle items were generously donated by organizations and individuals across Western Massachusetts and beyond. Contributors include nonprofits like Mass Center for the Book and United Way of the Pioneer Valley, local businesses like High Five Books and Comics N’ More, and publishers and authors such as Penguin Random House and award-winning author Mike Curato.

“Some of my most magical childhood memories are of the book fairs that would visit my elementary school every year,” said Emme Geryk, Programming Coordinator and Co-Organizer of the Book Fair. “This is the feeling we hope to replicate with our Summer Book Fair, except this time there’s no anxiety around being able to afford the experience.”

“The heart of the Book Fair is accessibility,” added Juli Colón, Operations Manager and Co-Organizer of the Book Fair. “Our own experiences from childhood book fairs shaped our desire to ensure every kid has an opportunity to find stories that reflect their identities, open their eyes to new possibilities, and allow them to see the world through the eyes of characters they connect with.”

Western Massachusetts is home to many literary figures, from Emily Dickinson and Dr. Seuss to contemporary authors like Lesléa Newman and Mike Curato. “With so many talented authors and illustrators nearby, we’re all passionate about ensuring every child can engage with the wealth of resources around them, regardless of socioeconomic barriers,” said Geryk.

Museum staff member Tichitta Wearing, tasked with cataloging book donations, shared her excitement: “What a joy it’s been to get lost in these books and to open up blurbs filled with history and love: dedications from family, friends, educators, lovers alike. Books from over 50 years ago; gifted and passed down through generations to fall into my hands.”

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