What is the Edible Book Festival? 

Around April 1st, bibliophiles, book artists, and food lovers around the world gather to celebrate the book arts and the (literal!) ingestion of culture.   Participants create an “edible book,” which can be inspired by a favorite tale, involve a pun on a famous title, or simply be in the shape of a book (or scroll, or tablet, etc).  All entries will be exhibited, documented, then EATEN!  Photographs of all edible books will appear in the Edible Book Festival gallery. 

The Champaign-Urbana Edible Book Festival is sponsored by the University Library and University YMCA, and supported by the generous help of campus and community volunteers and prize donors. 

2016 Festival Award Categories 

Starting to think about your edible creation for this year's festival? Consider fitting your entry to one or more of these prize categories! 

Best Depiction of a Classic

Best Visual Presentation

Most Appetizing

Funniest/Punniest

Best Entry Based on Book for Children or Teens (Award sponsored by the Center for Children's Books.)

Best Collaborative Creation

People's Choice

Rotating Special Category: TBA 

Who can participate? 

Whether you’re a professional chef or just like to play with your food, the festival is open to anyone in the UIUC & Champaign-Urbana communities.  For inspiration, take a look at entries from last year’s event, available in the 2015 Gallery at http://www.library.illinois.edu/ediblebooks/2015gallery.html.  If you don't have time to make your own edible entry, join in admiring and eating the delicious creations at 11:30 am! 

Pre-registration for entries is available now. Pre-registration is not required to participate, but it helps the organizers plan the event!

Schedule for the 2016 Edible Book Festival on Monday, April 4, 2016 

8-10 a.m. - Participants drop off edible entries at the University YMCA (1001 S. Wright St., Champaign - map)

10-11:30 a.m. - Judging and photography

11:30 a.m. - Public viewing begins

12:15 p.m. - Welcome and judges' commentary

12:45 p.m. - Eating of books!

Join on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CUEdibleBooks to get the most up-to-date information on the 2016 festival!

Pre-registration is available now at https://illinois.edu/fb/sec/3346602.  Pre-registration is not required, but it helps the organizers plan the event.

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