WILLIAMSBURG— A beloved voice in children’s literature is returning to the town that inspired her stories. Williamsburg Regional Library is thrilled to announce that Valerie Tripp, the celebrated author behind the “American Girl” Felicity series, will headline the 5th annual KidLit Fest: Anniversary Edition at the Williamsburg Library on May 9 from 12:30-4 p.m.
Tripp’s appearance marks a “full circle” moment for local fans. WRL says her iconic books brought colonial Williamsburg to life for millions of readers; now, she returns to Williamsburg for an in-person author talk at 3 p.m. followed by a Q&A session and a book signing. Attendees can pick up their free tickets to the author talk at the check-in table in the Strkyer Center starting at 12:30.
WRL states it is proud to join communities across the nation in marking America’s 250th anniversary, adding to the festivities with a unique focus on literature and young readers. KidLit Fest complements the city’s broader celebrations by using historical fiction to help kids connect with the past on their own terms, turning a major milestone into a personal adventure.
“Having Valerie Tripp here is the perfect way to combine our annual celebration of children’s literature with 250th festivities,” said Youth Services Director Alicia Phinney. “This event gives us the opportunity to turn history from the page into something kids can actually interact with. It’s a great way to offer kids a 250th celebration designed specifically for them.”
The festival, which runs from 12:30-4 p.m., will transform the Williamsburg Library, the Stryker Center, and City Square Park into a living storybook featuring:
- Hands-on history: Try your hand at butter-making and sample early Virginia breads (ongoing).
- Musical entertainment: Enjoy stories and tunes from Syliva Tabb Lee and her band (12:45 p.m.).
- Colonial play: Learn 18th-century games from Colonial Williamsburg Youth Interpreters (ongoing).
- Whimsical Art: Get a portrait drawn in the style of the famous Who Was? biography series (ongoing).
- History podcasts: Tune in for a podcast listening party (1, 1:30, 2, 2:30 p.m.).
- Williamsburg Trivia: Test your local knowledge with a “Weird but True: Williamsburg Edition” trivia game (1, 1:30, 2 p.m.).
KidLit Fest: Anniversary Edition is free and open to the public, made possible by the generous support of the Friends of WRL Foundation. Free parking for the event is available at the Williamsburg Library with additional free parking available in the City Square Parking Terrace and additional paid parking at the Prince George Parking Garage. Event registration is not required. For more information, visit wrl.org/KidLitFestand follow WRL on Facebook and Instagram.
