Aspen Literary Festival
Next Gen
A series of free programs for young readers and families
About the Next Gen Program
Aspen Literary Festival is launching Next Gen, a series of free programs for young readers and families. Young people accompanied by an adult chaperone can meet bestselling authors, discover new books and take part in engaging literary conversations and creative activities. Presented in partnership with Pitkin County Library and schools throughout the Roaring Fork Valley, Next Gen brings a diverse range of enriching literary programs to local families, creating meaningful opportunities for young people to read, write and grow.
Featured authors of young people’s literature at the 2026 festival include: #1 New York Times bestselling Kelly Yang (the Font Desk series), twin authors Paul A. Reynolds (The Sydney and Simon series) and Peter H. Reynolds (The Dot), and Newbery Medal winner Matt de la Peña.
Partners and Sponsors
Thank you to our local partners, the Pitkin County Library and Roaring Fork Valley schools. Special thanks to Arny and Anne Porath for supporting the Next Gen program.
Free Registration
Adult chaperones can follow the Free General Admission registration pathway to register young readers.
Saturday, Sept. 26
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
ALF Next Gen Presents: Matt de la Peña - Stories are Everywhere
PreK-2nd Grade / Free with Registration
Pitkin County Library
How can an ordinary bus ride, a subway journey, or a single wish open up an entire world? Through picture books filled with curiosity, compassion, and wonder, young readers are invited to look beyond first impressions and discover the extraordinary in everyday life. A joyful celebration of stories—and the many ways they help us see ourselves and one another more clearly—geared toward children ages four to eight.
Doors at 9:00 a.m.
Book signing to follow.
Matt de la Peña, author of “Last Stop on Market Street” and “Home”
2:00 PM-3:30 PM
ALF Next Gen Presents- Books to Art: Creative Craft Stations
Arts and Crafts
Red Brick Center or the Arts—Art Room
Get creative with book-inspired crafts for kids in K–8th grade, including Dot-making for the Next Gen Tent mural. Drop in, make something, and bring stories to life through art!
3:30 PM-4:30 PM
ALF Next Gen Presents: Ice Cream Social with Children's Authors
Author Meet and Greet
Next Gen Headquarters Tent—Red Brick Center for the Arts
A sweet celebration for children in K–8th grade, featuring beloved children’s authors Matt de la Peña, Kelly Yang, Peter H. Reynolds and Paul A. Reynolds, plus ice cream from The Dreamery. Meet the authors, get books signed, and help unveil "The Dot" mural—with a special chance to take a photo with the author alongside your own artwork.
Sunday, Sept. 27
9:30 AM-10:30 AM
ALF Next Gen Presents: Kelly Yang - Finding Your Voice
3rd-7th Grade / Free with Registration
Pitkin County Library
Step behind the desk of the Calivista Motel and into the world of the bestselling “Front Desk” series. Inspired by the author’s own childhood helping her parents manage motels, these books follow Mia Tang as she navigates family, friendship, school, and the challenges of finding her place in a new country. An inspiring conversation for middle-grade readers about courage, community, finding your voice, and standing up for what matters.
Doors at 9:00 a.m.
Book signing to follow.
Kelly Yang, author of “The Take”
11:00 AM-12:30 PM
ALF Next Gen Presents- Books to Art: Creative Craft Stations
Arts and Crafts
Red Brick Center or the Arts—Art Room
Get creative with book-inspired crafts for kids in K–8th grade, including Dot-making for the Next Gen Tent mural. Drop in, make something, and bring stories to life through art!
3:00 PM-4:00 PM
ALF Next Gen Presents- Storytime with Jill Sheeley: Adventures with Fraser the Yellow Dog
Local Author Reading
Next Gen Headquarters Tent—Red Brick Center for the Arts
Snuggle in for a cozy storytime with beloved local Aspen author and storyteller Jill Sheeley, featuring tales from her popular Adventures of Fraser the Yellow Dog series. Perfect for ages 4–8, this cozy gathering invites young readers to listen, imagine, and fall in love with books.
