[3][4][5] The Children's Literature Festival features many Missouri authors and others from across the country.
[8] Volunteers include library faculty and staff, other UCM faculty and staff, Warrensburg High School Honor Society members, other high school and college students, and community members.
Individuals interested in literature for young people are given the opportunity to select a seat at a table with an author or illustrator.
The Children's Festival at the University of Central Missouri began in 1969 when Philip Sadler, Professor of Children's Literature, and Ophelia Gilbert, laboratory school librarian, invited five Missouri authors to speak to local students.
[10] In 2011, the Children's Literature Festival received a commendation from the American Association of School Librarians.
In 2014, she received an Exemplary Community Achievement Award for her work on the Festival from the Missouri Humanities Council.