What you need for a children’s reading afternoon

A children’s reading afternoon needs more than a stack of picture books. Plan the reading spaces, refreshments, name badges and wayfinding before shopping, especially if children will move between activities. Comfortable seating and good lighting make the reading corner work, while a speaker and microphone help larger groups hear the readers. This list also covers the easily forgotten items: extension cords, serving tools, waste bins and cleaning supplies.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Chairsqty 45
Tablesqty 6
Seat cushionsqty 25
Carpetsqty 3
Welcome table

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 50
Reusable platesqty 50
Teaspoonsqty 50
Scissorsqty 4
Serving tongsqty 4

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 2
Serving traysqty 4

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Portable speaker
Wireless microphone
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 3

Reading materials

Picture booksqty 40
Book standsqty 2
Reading lampsqty 2
Hourglassesqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Buntingqty 4
Name badgesqty 50
Wayfinding signsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom and dustpan
Mop set
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea assortment - 4 boxes
- Granulated sugar - 2 packs
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Mineral water - 12 bottles
- Apple juice - 6 liters
- Orange juice - 6 liters
- Cocoa powder - 1 pack
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Butter - 500 grams
- White bread - 6 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilograms
- Hummus - 1 kilogram
- Strawberry jam - 2 jars
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1,5 kilogram
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 25 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Whole grain cookies - 6 packs
- Butter cookies - 4 packs
- Gluten-free cookies - 2 packs
- Napkins - 4 packs
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Hand soap - 2 refills
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 2 packs

Tips

Provide one chair or cushion place per child, plus a few extra seats for adults and late arrivals. Add carpets or cushions in the reading corner so children can sit comfortably during longer stories.
Plan roughly 250–350 ml of drinks per child for a two-hour afternoon, with extra coffee and tea for adults. Reusable cups, teaspoons, thermos flasks, serving trays and serving tongs are easy to overlook when buying refreshments.
Bring at least one picture book for each reading slot, plus a small selection of spare books. Book stands and reading lamps help readers keep pages visible, particularly in a corner with uneven light.
Test the portable speaker and wireless microphone before visitors arrive, then pack extension cords and power strips as well. Charge all equipment the day before and check that cables will not cross walking routes.
Prepare one name badge per registered visitor and print enough wayfinding signs for every turn to the reading corner. Pack waste bins, cleaning cloths, a broom and dustpan, and a mop set so spills do not end the afternoon early.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a children’s reading afternoon?: You need books, book stands, reading lamps, chairs or cushions, tables, name badges and wayfinding signs. For refreshments, allow about 250–350 ml of drinks per child for a two-hour session and bring reusable cups, plates and serving equipment.
How many books should I buy for a children’s reading event?: Plan at least one picture book for each reading slot, then add 2–4 spare books for changes in age range, damaged copies or children who finish early. Choose books before shopping so the selection fits the programme.
How much seating do I need for a children’s reading afternoon?: Prepare one seat per expected child and adult, then add 10% extra where space allows. For example, 30 children and 10 adults means at least 44 seats or cushions.
When should I prepare the shopping list for the reading afternoon?: Check the list at least 7 days before the event and complete the main shopping 2–3 days ahead. Buy or collect fresh refreshments closer to the afternoon, and test the sound equipment no later than the day before.

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.