What? You haven’t decided whether or not you’re going to be coming to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 1 for the Library of Congress National Book Festival? Well, here’s ten things about the festival that should help you make up your mind:
- A Spectacular Setting. Washington, D.C. is a great city to visit, and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, centered in the hub of a flourishing retail and dining area, is a beautiful, spacious site that has played host to the National Book Festival since 2014.
- Amazing Authors. Get a seat at the Main Stage to hear from headliners like Madeleine Albright, Isabel Allende, Dave Eggers, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jon Meacham, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Amy Tan.
- A Stage for All Interests. In addition to our Main Stage and the stages for kids and teens (see below), you’ll be able to see and hear authors of all types and genres, in our stages devoted to History and Biography, Fiction, Poetry and Prose, Genre Fiction (including Graphic Novels) and Understanding Our World. For a list of all the authors, by name and by stage, visit this site: //www.loc.gov/bookfest/authors/
- Fun for All Ages. With two children’s stages on the main expo floor (Green and Purple), plus a stage devoted to fiction for teenagers, we highlight these specialties with three dozen notable authors. And admit it, even you older folks love their work, too.
- Poetry, Loud and Slamming. The day starts with “Poetry Out Loud” at 10 a.m. then ends with “Poetry Slam” //www.loc.gov/bookfest/author/poetry_slam at 6 p.m. With plenty of poets in between, you can get your poetry fix in all day.
- Book Si
gnings. Get up close and personal with your favorite authors and release your inner fanperson while they sign your favorite personal edition of their work. - A Handy App to Figure It All Out. The National Book Festival app for Apple and Android has been updated, and it’s the best way to figure out how you’re going to see all of your favorite authors, make that poetry slam you want to hear, and still be able to make the line for that extra-special book signing. And don’t forget to eat! Everything you need to set up a personal schedule for your day is in the app. Download it today!
- Rubbing Elbows with Bookies. Not THAT kind of bookie—we mean other people passionate about books, authors and reading, like you! You’ll meet people from across the country and around the world who share your love of the written word in a big, festival setting.
- Booklover’s Circle. This year, the Library is again offering festival fans and literacy champions a limited opportunity to join the Booklovers Circle and experience the festival in a whole new way. Special access, limited-edition swag and more — for more information, visit this site: //www.loc.gov/bookfest/support-the-festival/
Memories of a Lifetime. Whether it’s inspiring words from the biographer of presidents to a chance encounter with a celebrity author on the escalator to getting an unexpected hug from Clifford the Big Red Dog or Captain Underpants, your experiences from our National Book Festival will be the things that you’ll never forget.
Of course, there are lots more than just 10 great things about the Library of Congress National Book Festival. What are your favorites?
