The Scottsdale Book Festival was recently featured on 12News as part of its Reading Arizona series, highlighting the festival’s mission to celebrate literacy, creativity, and local authors across the Valley.
In the televised interview and accompanying online article, festival founder Michael Ivery shared the story behind the creation of the Scottsdale Book Festival, why it matters to Arizona families, and what readers of all ages can expect when the festival takes place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the Scottsdale Civic Center.
Rather than focusing on trends or headlines, the conversation centered on something deeply human: slowing down, reconnecting with books, and giving imagination room to grow.
A Festival Built From Family, Books, and Community:
The Scottsdale Book Festival didn’t begin as a large-scale event. It began the same way many great stories do — at home.
After years working as a DJ and event producer, Michael Ivery found inspiration through his children, especially during quiet moments spent drawing characters, reading together, and exploring stories away from screens. Those moments eventually grew into Tubba and Friends, a children’s book world rooted in imagination, kindness, and creativity — and later, into the idea of a festival that could serve the entire community.
The goal was simple but meaningful: create a space where books feel exciting again, where authors and readers can connect face-to-face, and where families can experience literacy as something joyful, shared, and alive.
As highlighted in the 12News feature, the Scottsdale Book Festival is a
free, family-friendly outdoor event designed to welcome readers of all ages and interests.
Why Literacy Matters Now:
Arizona consistently ranks lower in literacy access and engagement, particularly among young readers. The Scottsdale Book Festival exists to help change that narrative — not through lectures or screens, but through connection.
Seeing a child hold a book. Watching a conversation unfold between an author and a reader. Creating moments where imagination takes the lead. These are the experiences the festival was built to support.
As shared during the 12News interview, the excitement around books hasn’t disappeared — it simply needs the right space to shine.
📺 Watch the full 12News interview and coverage on our Media page:
👉 Media & Press – Scottsdale Book Festival
Festival Details at a Glance:
📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Scottsdale Civic Center, Downtown Scottsdale
🎟️ Free • Family Friendly • Open to All
🌦️ Rain or Shine
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