The Manheim Community Library plans to celebrate National Children's Picture Book Day and International Children's Book Day, and you're invited to the party. The Children's Book Day celebration will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 2, in the community room of the library, 15 E. High St. Weather permitting, some activities will also be held outside in the mini park adjacent to the library.

This is the first time the library is holding this event, said Alissa Booth, community relations coordinator. "We were looking for a way to celebrate local authors and businesses and our love for children's books while raising funds for the library," she said. "With National Picture Book Day and International Children's Book Day on April 2 and National Library Week beginning on April 3, it seemed a natural fit."

Festivities at the celebration will include story times and meet-and-greets with local children's book authors, along with lots of hands-on activities. "Come out and meet local teen and children's book authors and maybe discover your next favorite book," Booth stated. "Kids can get artsy with one of our free crafts or welcome spring by planting a mini garden." Children can learn how to draw the owl and the dog from "What if Night?" with illustrator Sarah Holden providing a demonstration through a recorded video. There will be opportunities to make buttons and color bookmarks. Cookies and tickets for giveaway baskets will be available for sale. Baskets will include a basket of books donated by several of the authors, a puzzle basket and a sweet treat basket donated by Twisted Sisters Ice Cream and Handmade Chocolates.

Participating authors will be Hillary Daecher, who grew up in Manheim, L.E. DeLano, Jeanne Moran, Andre Renna, Danette Richards and Kim Kluxen Meredith. "Story times will be held between 10:30 and 11 a.m. and 1 to 1:30 p.m.," Booth said. "Most of the authors will be reading their books, and books will also be available for purchase directly from the author."

The event is a fundraiser for the library, with authors donating a fee to have a table at the festivities. Sponsors of the day include Longenecker's Hardware, Twisted Sisters and Stauffers of Kissel Hill.

"The Children's Book Day event at Manheim Community Library is fun for the whole family," Booth said. "When you buy yummy cookies and raffle tickets for one of our fabulous baskets, you'll be supporting your local library."

Booth recommends that attendees contact the library at 717-665-6700 on the day of the event for the most up-to-date mask requirements. No registration is necessary for the event. For an updated list of participating authors and illustrators, or if you are an author or illustrator and want to sign up for a table, visit https://manheimlibrary.org/childrens-book-day-event for more information.