Lesefrühling — Children's Literature Days Bielefeld & Gütersloh

Lesefrühling — Ostwestfalen's Children's Literature Program Since 2006

Lesefrühling is one of North Rhine-Westphalia's most established children's literature festivals, launched in 2006 as a joint program by the city libraries of Bielefeld and Gütersloh. 2026 marks the 20th edition — two decades of consistent promotion of children's literature in a region whose book trade and library landscape ranks among Germany's most vibrant. A program that not only brings books closer to children but also encourages schools and families to cooperate with libraries.

Eight Author Readings for Children Aged 4–10

The program structure is consistently child-oriented: eight readings for the age group 4 to 10 years, spread over four weeks in March. Readings take place in the mornings (school class events) and afternoons (public readings for families). Program highlights 2026:

• Maja Nielsen — "The World's Most Famous Ship" (Historical narrative about the Titanic, for slightly older children)
• Alice Pantermüller — Bestselling author of the "My Lotta Life" series (millions sold)
• Alexander Steffensmeier — Picture book author with the bestselling series about Lieselotte the Cow
• Sabine Lipan — Local author, who also offers private classroom readings as a prize in the competition
• Five more female and male authors with stories ranging from shipwrecks to quirky animal adventures

Bielefeld City Library and Gütersloh City Library

Venues are the Bielefeld City Library at Neumarkt 1 (Bielefeld city center) and the Gütersloh City Library at Blessenstätte 1. Both libraries have their own event spaces for readings and are among the leading public libraries in Ostwestfalen. The combination of both institutions in the same program is a strength of Lesefrühling — families from Gütersloh don't have to travel to Bielefeld, but have readings on their doorstep.

Symbolic Entrance Fee of €1

Unlike many festivals with free admission, Lesefrühling charges a symbolic entrance fee of €1 per reading. This serves two functions: it signals that readings have value (not "free = worthless"), and it allows for a small co-financing. For children, €1 is an affordable amount, often considered their "first own festival ticket".

Registration and Prize Draw

Registration via the event calendar of the Bielefeld City Library. Advance booking is recommended for many readings due to limited capacity. An accompanying prize draw is running with prizes such as:

• Private classroom reading with local author Sabine Lipan
• Cinema tickets
• Swimming pool passes
• Books from the program

Submission deadline March 31st, 2026.

Bielefeld and Gütersloh as a Literary Urban Space

Bielefeld (approx. 340,000 inhabitants) and Gütersloh (approx. 100,000 inhabitants) together form the literary center of Ostwestfalen. With universities, bookstores, one of NRW's oldest city libraries, and an active independent literary scene, the region is traditionally a significant location. The Bertelsmann Foundation, based in Gütersloh, is also part of this literary identity.