The 10th Maynard Book Festival will take place April 7-11, 2026, with a variety of literary and arts events for readers of all ages. Most events will be held at Maynard Public Library, 77 Nason St., with poetry events at Felixology, 2 Walnut St.

The festival opens Tuesday evening, April 7, with a group discussion of “Murder Your Darlings” by Jenna Blum. Midweek events include an Edgar Allan POEtry reading and open mic led by Fred Gerhard on Wednesday evening, April 8, and a Mill Town poetry event on Thursday evening, April 9. Later Thursday evening, the library will host a reception for the “Stories in Fiber” art exhibit, featuring remarks by artist Cindy Kennelly and music by Jessica and Zac Smith. Friday evening, April 10, features author Luke O’Neil discussing his book “We Had It Coming and Other Fictions.” Saturday, April 11, includes a hands-on accordion-book workshop (registration required), a children’s event with authors Irene Latham and Charles Waters presenting “For the Win” and “If I Could Choose a Best Day,” and talks by authors including Doug Most on “Launching Liberty: The Epic Race to Build the Ships That Took America to War” — the first 10 attendees receive a free copy — as well as historical fiction authors Juliette Fay, Elizabeth Graver and Sarah Stewart Taylor.

The festival concludes Saturday evening with a talk by Jenna Blum, bestselling author of “Murder Your Darlings.” Mocktails and other refreshments will be served, and free books will be given to the first 25 attendees. Books will be available for purchase at all author talks.

In festival-related activities, a craft workshop for children ages 3-12 to create story collages will be held Saturday, March 21 (registration required).

Visit maynardbookfestival.org for more details on the schedule, speakers, and registration for workshops.

The Maynard Book Festival is sponsored by the Friends of the Maynard Public Library and the Maynard Cultural District. Festival bookselling partners are The Silver Unicorn Bookstore and Felixology.