WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US…
“I was thrilled to be part of the first Maplewood-South Orange Book Festival.
Great venue, and I enjoyed seeing kids really excited about books.”
—TRACEY WEST, author of the popular “Dragon Masters” series for children
“It was quite a weekend with great events and wonderful writers both on Friday night and Saturday. I
truly look forward to seeing the Festival grow into a highlight of our very literary community.”
—JUDITH LINDBERGH, Director, The Writer’s Circle Creative Writing Workshops
“It’s an event so obvious for South Orange and Maplewood that it’s hard to believe it hasn’t
happened already.”—THE VILLAGE GREEN
Located just fifteen miles from New York City in the creative corridor of Maplewood and South Orange, the Maplewood—South Orange (MAPSO) Book Festival brings together readers and authors in celebration of the joy and diversity of the written word. Our informative author panels highlight the major artistic, social and political issues of the day, while our vibrant and fun-filled children’s area allow our youngest readers to discover the importance and delight of books—and meet many of their favorite authors!
The official bookseller for the festival is
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where will the festival be held?
The 2018 festival will be open on Friday, June 8th, with a cocktail reception and talk featuring best-selling author David Baldacci. This event will be held at the Woodland in downtown Maplewood. All ticket proceeds from this event will go the Maplewood and South Orange libraries. Click here to purchase tickets.
The main festival will take place on Saturday, June 9th from 10:00AM-5:00PM, at the Woodland and Words Bookstore, both in downtown Maplewood, and feature over 75 authors, including Oprah Book Club selection Tayari Jones, Anna Quindlen, Mets legend Keith Hernandez, and Claire Messud. There will also be panels on hot-button topics such as race and education, the rise of white supremacy, and the #Metoo movement. On the less serious side, the festival will host several food and drink panels.
What kind of children’s programs and activities will there be?
The book festival will also have an extensive children’s area, with over 40 children’s and YA authors, as well as a kids “fun zone,” featuring games, music, food, face-painting and general mayhem for kids of all ages. Iconic kid’s author Rosemary Wells will deliver the children’s keynote address.
How much does it cost to attend the festival?
Except for the Library benefit and the Keith Hernandez talk and signing, all events at the Festival are FREE of charge and open to the public.
What is the book festival’s anti-harassment policy?
The MAPSO Book Festival is committed to providing an environment where authors, attendees, volunteers, staff, board members, and anyone connected to, or participating in the festival in any way, can feel safe while attending the festival or events connected to the festival. We will not tolerate any behavior that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, or offensive. Harassment of speakers, attendees, volunteers, or staff in any form will not be tolerated.
How do I get to the festival?