Do you write stories that spark young imaginations? Does your work inspire, delight, or transport kids to magical worlds? Then pack your bags – or at least your manuscripts – because Laredo is calling your name!
The Laredo Book Festival Children’s Edition is actively seeking authors who create amazing books for young readers, and this could be your chance to connect with an enthusiastic community of book lovers along the Texas-Mexico border.
Event Details
The Laredo Public Library is excited to invite authors to apply for our upcoming Laredo Book Festival: Children’s Edition! Be part of a fun-filled event dedicated to celebrating stories, creativity, and the joy of reading. This is a wonderful opportunity to inspire young readers, share your work, and support literacy in our community.
Key Information
- Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025
- Start Time: 10:00 AM
- End Time: TBD
- Location: Joe A. Guerra Laredo Public Library – 1120 E. Calton Rd., Laredo, TX 78041
Important Deadlines
- Application Deadline: Friday, September 26, 2025
- All applications must be received electronically using the form below. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Author Notifications Begin: Friday, October 17, 2025
- Questions Contact: Jacqueline Flores at [email protected]
What is the Laredo Book Festival Children’s Edition?
A Celebration of Young Readers and Writers
- Event: Laredo Book Festival – Children’s Edition
- Focus: Books and stories for young readers
- Goal: Inspire, delight, and spark young imaginations
- Community Impact: Celebrate the joy of reading with the Laredo community
What They’re Looking For:
- Children’s book authors of all genres and age ranges
- Writers whose stories inspire young minds
- Authors who delight and entertain young readers
- Storytellers who spark imagination in kids
Why Laredo’s Book Festival Matters
Border Community Celebration: Laredo sits right on the Texas-Mexico border, creating a unique, vibrant community that celebrates both cultures. This festival represents an opportunity to share your stories with families from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about literacy and learning.
Children’s Literature Focus: This isn’t just any book festival – it’s specifically designed around children’s literature. That means your audience will be families, educators, librarians, and kids who are genuinely excited about the books you create.
Community Connection: Small and mid-sized city book festivals often provide more intimate, meaningful connections between authors and readers. You’re not just another face in a massive crowd – you’re a featured part of a community celebration.
Growing Literary Scene: Laredo Public Library has been expanding their programming (they also host a Poetry Festival), showing a real commitment to supporting authors and literacy in their community.
What This Opportunity Offers You
Direct Reader Connection: Meet the kids, parents, teachers, and librarians who are your actual audience. There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up when they meet the person who wrote their favorite story.
Community Impact: Be part of celebrating literacy in a community that values education and storytelling. Your participation helps inspire the next generation of readers and possibly writers.
Professional Networking: Connect with other children’s authors, educators, librarians, and literacy advocates. These festivals often lead to future speaking opportunities, school visits, and professional relationships.
Cultural Exchange: Laredo’s unique border location means you’ll be sharing your work with families from diverse cultural backgrounds, potentially reaching new audiences you might not encounter elsewhere.
How to Get Involved
Application Information
- Website: www.laredolibrary.org/LBF2025
- Organizer: Laredo Public Library
- Call to Action: Share your books, connect with readers, and celebrate the joy of reading
What to Include in Your Application:
- Information about your published children’s books
- Brief author bio highlighting your work with young readers
- Any experience with school visits, library programs, or reader events
- Why you’re excited to be part of the Laredo community celebration
Pro Tip: Small city festivals like this often appreciate authors who are genuinely excited about connecting with their specific community. Show that you understand Laredo’s unique character and are eager to be part of their literary celebration.
Questions to Consider
Age Range: What ages are your books designed for? Make sure your work aligns with their children’s focus.
Availability: Can you commit to Saturday, December 6, 2025? Make sure you can attend the full event.
Travel: Are you able to travel to Laredo? Consider the logistics and factor that into your decision.
Community Engagement: Are you comfortable with school visits, library programs, or community events beyond just the festival itself?
Ready to Share Your Stories?
The Laredo Book Festival Children’s Edition represents exactly the kind of grassroots literary event that makes a real difference in communities. This is your chance to be part of something meaningful – bringing great books directly to the families and kids who love them most.
Next Steps:
- Visit www.laredolibrary.org/LBF2025 for complete application details
- Review their specific requirements and festival format
- Prepare your application highlighting your children’s literature work
- Submit your application before the Friday, September 26, 2025 deadline
- Contact Jacqueline Flores at [email protected] with any questions
Whether you write picture books, middle grade novels, or anything in between, Laredo’s young readers are waiting to discover your stories. This festival celebrates the magic that happens when great books meet eager young minds.
Because every child deserves to discover their next favorite book – and every author deserves readers who truly appreciate their work.
