The Central Arkansas Library System will once again host award-winning authors for panels, workshops, presentations, performances and book signings as part of the Arkansas Literary Festival, held April 24-27. For adults, there will be more than 80 presenters, including several food-themed sessions (hello, chocolatiers!), an appearance by best-selling author Catherine Coulter, and a visit from Congressman John Lewis, a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

The fun for families takes place on April 26 at both the CALS Main Library and the Hillary Rodham Clinton Children's Library & Learning Center. While at the Children’s Library & Learning Center, families can

  • Catch a performance of “The Engine That Thought It Could” from the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre (10 a.m.).
  • Go on a pirate-themed treasure hunt featuring six children’s authors, including Lou Berger, the author of "Dream Dog" author and former head writer for Sesame Street (11 a.m.).
  • Enjoy a petting zoo, plant seeds in the greenhouse, and make pirate snacks and crafts during activity hour (2 p.m.).
  • Meet Kadir Nelson, the author and illustrator behind children's picture books like "Nelson Mandela" and "Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans" (1 p.m.).

At the CALS Main Library, head to the third floor to:

  • Celebrate William Shakespeare’s 450th birthday with the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre (10 a.m.).
  • Visit a Lego exhibit, where kids can do some constructing of their own (all day).

In the Teen Center on the fourth floor, teens can:

  • Discover 3D printing (all day).
  • Learn about the upcoming comic book convention (1 p.m.).
  • Tinker with small-scale robotics and control mechanisms (3 p.m.).
  • Join local author Jerusalem Jackson Greer in a yummy workshop that explores how sense-memory can enhance writing; treats will be provided by Sweet Love Bakes (4 p.m.).

All children's events for the Arkansas Literary Festival are free. For a full schedule of this year's festival and more info about the featured authors, visit ArkansasLiteraryFestival.org.