Tickets on Sale for Children’s Book Art Silent Auction & Reception

Volunteer Opportunities Available

Tickets for the annual Children’s Book Art Silent Auction & Reception at BookExpo America are on sale now. The auction, which benefits the American Booksellers Foundation for Free Expression, will be held on May 29 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the River Pavilion of the Jacob Javits Center and will be hosted by bestselling authors Jack Gantos, a Newbery Medal winner, and Lauren Myracle, whose books top the list of the country’s most challenged titles.

The auction, which has been a highlight of children’s programming at BEA for the last 19 years, offers all BEA attendees a unique opportunity to buy original works by award-winning artists and illustrators.  

Proceeds support ABFFE’s defense of the free speech rights of young readers. ABFFE is a co-founder of the Kids’ Right to Read Project (KRRP), which supports students, parents, teachers and librarians fighting book challenges around the country. ABFFE is also a principal sponsor of Banned Books Week, the only national celebration of the freedom to read.

In addition to remarkable art from new books, this year’s auction will feature pieces created in honor of Maurice Sendak, who mentored and inspired so many artists and fought vigorously against efforts to censor In the Night Kitchen.

Light refreshments, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be served. Tickets are $99 and may be purchased online. There is no charge for bookseller members of the ABC Children’s Group at the American Booksellers Association.

For the first time this year, people around the world will be able to participate in the excitement of the BEA auction by bidding in an online auction to be held the week before the Javits event.

Volunteer opportunities are available to help set up and work the event. Anyone who is interested should contact ABFFE Auction Manager Kristen Gilligan Vlahos.

ABFFE has created an auction website. Details of the coming events, including a preview of the art in both auctions, will be posted there.

For further information, contact Gilligan Vlahos.