There are lots of library and school book fairs, but this weekend, the village of Millbrook hosts a two-day book fair, Spring into Books.

This village-wide event is free and totally family-oriented with panel discussions featuring award-winning authors, book signings, and events for children.

Kickoff festivities begin 6 p.m. Friday, May 16 when the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, 2801 Sharon Turnpike (Route 44A), will host a reception open to the public featuring live music and refreshments. At 7 p.m. Andrew C. Revkin, environmental reporter for The New York Times, will give a presentation titled “The Uncertain Journey Toward Nine Billion: Communicating Ecology on a Crowding Planet.” Festival goers are invited to take tours of the Cary Institute and attend science demonstrations from 4 p.m to 6 p.m.

On Saturday, May 17, there will be author signings and panel discussions at locations throughout Millbrook. Topics include Literary Fiction, Romance, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Local History, Poetry, Picture Books, and Spirituality. Local eateries and community organizations will be selling meals throughout the day, and a family-friendly stand-up comedy show will end the weekend at 7 p.m.

Authors slated to appear at the festival include Valerie Martin, whose novel Property, won the Orange Prize; children’s writer Alan Katz, whose books include “Are You Quite Polite?”, and whose television writing has garnered several Emmy nominations; mystery writer Julia Spencer-Fleming, an Edgar Award finalist for her novel “Out of the Deep I Cry” ; and Jennifer Donnelly, recipient of the Carnegie Medal for her young adult novel “A Northern Light. ”

Some Putnam residents are particpating:

•Putnam County resident Andrew C. Revkin, environmental reporter for The New York Times, will talk about encouraging ecology at 7 p.m. Friday night.

•Eileen Charbonneau, resident of Cold Spring , will be participating in the Young Adult panel Saturday at the Millbrook Free Library from 3.30 to 5.00 .

One sponsor is Merritt Bookstore, with shops in Millbrook and Pawling, and until recently one on Main Street in Cold Spring.

For a complete schedule of events, please go to www.millbrookbookfestival.org or the link above.

Logo from the Millbrook Book Festival