Children’s book market checklist

A children’s book market needs more than tables of books. You need to secure the market space and permit first, then recruit exhibitors, plan children’s activities and build a clear reading programme. In the final weeks, registrations, dietary requirements, book sorting, prices and stall layouts need checking together. This checklist keeps the work in order, including the small details that are often left until the morning of the market.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Reserve market space
Apply for market permit
Record date and times
Recruit exhibitors
2 people
Select children's activities
2 people
Compile the reading nook program
2 people
Draft invitations
2 people
Send invitations
2 people
Distribute promotional posters
2 people
Publish the online event page
Register exhibitors
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm the reader
Purchase children's activities
2 people
Complete book collection
3 people
Sort books
4 people
Pricing books
3 people
Sort books by genre
3 people
Create the booth layout
2 people
Inform exhibitors
Assign volunteers
2 people
Publish reading times
Arrange payment method for market stall
Collect cash change
Do the shopping
2 people
Check materials
2 people
Set out books and materials
4 people
Prepare the cash register and price tags
2 people

Event

Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up party tents
4 people
Set Up Market Stalls
6 people
Set up reading corner
3 people
Set up the craft tent
3 people
Set up the scavenger hunt
2 people
Hang up decorations
3 people
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out snacks
2 people
Brief volunteers
2 people
Welcome exhibitors
3 people
Open the cash register
2 people
Welcome visitors
3 people
Sell books
6 people
Lead the reading session
2 people
Guide the craft activity
3 people
Guide the scavenger hunt
2 people
Serve drinks
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Refill snacks
2 people
Empty trash bins
2 people
Check toilets
Announce final sales round
Close the cash register
2 people
Check out exhibitors
3 people
Pack books safely
4 people

Aftercare

Take down tables and chairs
4 people
Take down party tents
4 people
Remove decorations
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
4 people
Dispose of waste
2 people
Collect lost and found items
Return materials
2 people
Sort unsold books
3 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Deposit sales revenue
2 people
Clear remaining stock
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Market stallsqty 12
Party tentsqty 3
Tablesqty 10
Chairsqty 40
Foldable tablesqty 4
Bookshelvesqty 6
Beanbagsqty 12
Blanketsqty 6
Storage binsqty 20

Market materials

Children's booksqty 500
Price tagsqty 600
Bookmarksqty 500
Cash boxesqty 3
Card machinesqty 2
Change boxesqty 3
Price listsqty 15
Name stickersqty 150
Exhibitor signsqty 15
Route arrowsqty 20
Clipboard foldersqty 6
Pen setsqty 10

Decorations

Book garlandsqty 8
Buntingqty 10
Balloonsqty 100
Decorative signsqty 12
Tableclothsqty 12
Adhesive hooksqty 40
Table décorqty 12

Equipment

Speakersqty 2
Microphone
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Kettlesqty 2

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Scissorsqty 12
Craft binsqty 8
Colored pencil setsqty 20
Children's apronsqty 12
Stamp setsqty 8
Pen holdersqty 8

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 150
Coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 100
Cutlery setsqty 100
Serving tongsqty 6

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 6
LED lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 8
Broom setsqty 3
Mop setsqty 2
Bucketsqty 4
Hand soap dispensersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Apply for the market permit before promoting the event, and record the confirmed date, opening hours and access times in one place. You will need those details when inviting exhibitors and publishing the online event page.
Set an exhibitor registration deadline at least 2 weeks before the market. Use the final list to prepare name stickers, exhibitor signs, the stall layout and volunteer assignments instead of making all four on the day.
Finish collecting and sorting the children’s books before adding prices. Grouping books by genre and preparing price tags or price lists in advance makes browsing faster and prevents sellers from pricing books while visitors are waiting.
Publish the reading nook programme with exact times, then confirm the reader at least 1 week beforehand. Leave enough space around the nook for beanbags and blankets without blocking the route between market stalls.
Test both payment methods before opening and prepare cash change separately. Card machines, cash boxes and change boxes are easy to overlook when the focus is on books, decorations and children’s activities.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a children’s book market?: Start at least 8 weeks before the market. Secure the space and permit first, then allow time to recruit exhibitors, send invitations, collect registrations and plan the reading programme.
When should exhibitors register for a children’s book market?: Set the registration deadline 2 weeks before the event. Use the final numbers to assign stalls, prepare exhibitor signs and name stickers, and schedule volunteers.
How many books should I collect for a children’s book market?: There is no fixed number because it depends on the number of exhibitors and stalls. Complete the collection at least 1 week before the market so books can be sorted by genre, priced and placed in the layout.
When should I publish the reading times?: Publish the reading times at least 1 week before the market, once the reader has confirmed. Add the schedule to invitations, posters and the online event page so families can plan their visit.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.