Carroll County Public Library
Infinite Possibilities
Frequently asked questions
Tickets and admission
Is the festival free or ticketed?
The Carroll Book Festival is free for all ages! The photo op with Jodi Picoult and the Character Meet and Greet require tickets purchased in advance.
Schedule and programming
What are the festival dates and hours?
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Location: Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S Center St, Westminster, MD.
Where can I find the full schedule of authors and events?
Are sessions first-come-first-served or do I need to reserve a spot?
All author presentations will be first-come, first-served. Ticketed author events require a purchased ticket for entry but will not have reserved seating.
Location and logistics
Is the festival outdoors?
The Carroll Book Festival is a fully outdoor festival with author stages located in the fields around the Farm Museum. Please wear appropriate attire for the outdoor setting.
Is there a map of the venue/booths?
Will there be restrooms?
Yes, restrooms will be available onsite. They are marked on the festival map.
Will there be food and drinks available at the festival? Will water be available?
Yes. There will be several food trucks at the festival where you can purchase food and beverages. A water refill station will be available on site.
Is parking available? Is it free?
Free parking is available at the Carroll County Farm Museum and at the Carroll County Ag Center, located at 706 Agricultural Center Dr, Westminster, MD
Is the venue accessible?
While the Carroll County Farm Museum is ADA accessible, many of the author presentations are in the fields and not all will have paths. Please plan accordingly.
Is public transit nearby?
There is limited public transportation. Please plan rideshares in advance.
What am I allowed to bring to the festival? What should I keep at home?
| Allowed | Not allowed |
|---|---|
| Folding chairs | Rolling totes |
| Blankets | Rolling wagons |
| Purses, backpacks, totes. Limit one (1) per person. | Pop-up tents |
| Strollers and diaper bags | Glass water bottles or filled bottles |
| Outside food | Alcohol |
| Empty plastic or metal water bottle |
Who do I talk to if I need help at the event?
Any person wearing a yellow “STAFF” t-shirt or green "VOLUNTEER" t-shirt will be able to assist you at the festival. Emergency medical services and police will be on the premises. Lost and found will be at the Welcome Table.
Books and signings
Will books be sold on site, or do I need to bring my own?
Presenting authors’ books will be sold from Park Books on Main at the festival. Books will be for sale from other vendors in the Vendor Village. You may bring up to five (5) backlist titles total, but please purchase all latest releases at the Park Books Pavillion.
How will author signing lines work?
Author signings will take place at the Park Books Pavillion. Author signing schedule to be announced.
Can I bring books from home to be signed?
Attendees can bring five (5) books per person for signing.
Food and amenities
Will there be food vendors or is outside food allowed?
Outside food is allowed, but please consider supporting the local food trucks at the festival.
Are there restrooms, water stations, and shaded/indoor rest areas?
Restrooms and water refill stations will be available on the festival grounds. There are many outdoor shaded areas for attendees to rest and read.
Is there a nursing or family room?
There is not a nursing or family room available on site.
Weather and policies
What happens if it rains (for outdoor festivals)?
The Carroll Book Festival will take place in rain or shine. Please come prepared depending on the forecast.
Is the event pet-friendly?
The event is not pet friendly. Dogs and other animals are not permitted. Trained service dogs are allowed at the event.
What's the photography/recording policy during author talks?
Photography is available at the author’s discretion. Sessions will not be recorded.
Other
How can I get involved?
Author, vendor, and volunteer applications are closed for the 2026 festival. Please check back for information on the 2027 festival!
If you would like to be a sponsor for the Carroll Book Festival, please complete our sponsorship application (PDF).
Who do I contact with more questions?
Please email info@carrollbookfestival.org with more questions regarding the Carroll Book Festival.
Character Meet and Greet FAQ
Tickets are required for both adults and children
One adult can supervise up to three children
Event is free for ages two and under
Breakfast snacks (granola bars, cereal bars, pastries) will be provided. Juice and water will be provided. A coffee truck will be available with drinks for purchase.