PORTLAND — Maine First Lady Karen Baldacci will serve as chairwoman of the Maine Festival of the Book May 15-17.

The second annual festival is meant to celebrate the love of reading, with several events in and around Portland.

All events, with the exception of Opening Night on May 15 at Merrill Auditorium, which is a benefit for the nonprofit organizer Maine Reads, are free and designed to appeal to a broad range of ages and interests, according to a news release.

All other programs are free and will be held May 16 - 17 at Monument Square, the Portland Public Library, Maine Historical Society and other venues. Books will be for sale on the Square and more than 40 authors will be available for signings.

Children’s events will include the opportunity to meet many authors, performers and storytellers on Monument Square and in the Portland Public Library. Participants includes Phil Hoose, Paul Janezcko, and Lynn Plourde.

Other scheduled events include panel discussions and writing workshops.

Established in 2002 by the Office of the First Lady, Maine Reads is dedicated to promoting a more literate Maine through programs that create awareness, raise funds, and encourage collaboration among literacy providers. More information is available online at www.mainereads.org or by phone at 871-9100.