Entry deadline is March 13

JOHNSTOWN — This year’s Children’s Book Festival kicks off with a bookmark design contest, inviting students to create and submit bookmarks based on their favorite book.

Hosted annually by The Learning Lamp, the festival connects children and families with bestselling and critically acclaimed authors, illustrators and storytellers. All submitted bookmarks will be showcased at the 17th Annual Children’s Book Festival, taking place March 28-29 at Bottle Works Ethnic Arts Center in Johnstown’s historic Cambria City neighborhood.

“Our bookmark contest is always a highlight of the festival,” said Kerri Belardi, director of communications for The Learning Lamp, and festival organizer. “It’s amazing to watch kids bring this year’s theme to life with their own unique ideas and artistic flair.”

The contest is open to children in preschool through sixth grade, including homeschool students. Entries will be judged in the following age divisions:

Division 1: Pre-K and kindergarten

Division 2: Grades 1 and 2.

Division 3: Grades 3 and 4.

Division 4: Grades 5 and 6.

A winner from each division will receive a prize package featuring a personal library of books. Festival attendees will cast votes to determine the winners. Teachers can also win. By submitting bookmarks from their class, educators have the chance to win a classroom set of books.

How to enter:

One entry per child. Download a printable entry form at https://thelearninglamp.org/for-families/childrens-book-festival/.

Drop off or mail completed bookmarks to The Learning Lamp, 2025 Bedford St., Johnstown, PA 15904.

The submission deadline is 4 p.m. Friday, March 13.

The Children’s Book Festival is organized by The Learning Lamp and is free to families.

The event brings top-tier literary talent to Johnstown, and this year’s lineup is packed with must-see authors and performers.

The festival offers interactive literary experiences designed to encourage reading, writing and creativity.

The festival features arts and crafts activities, writing and illustration workshops, new and used book sales, refreshments and more. Plus, every child who attends will receive a free book to take home.

For more information, call 814-262-0732, ext. 245, or visit thelearninglamp.org or facebook.com/CBFJohnstown/.