Literacy and STEM Nonprofits: Exhibit with Us at the National Book Festival!

The Library of Congress is dedicated to creating fun and meaningful learning opportunities, and the National Book Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center is one of the best ways to engage with our audience through literacy development, both in the arts and STEM fields.

The Festival hosts dozens of author presentations as well as family-friendly activities. In the last couple of years, we have also created two different districts which provide families and young festivalgoers with interactive fun.

The two current districts features scheduled programming and provides space for literacy and STEM organizations to exhibit at no cost. Through these interactions, Festival attendees have the chance to learn about the missions and efforts of these organizations and thus enhance community engagement and awareness.

If you are part of a literacy or STEM nonprofit, we invite you to apply to exhibit with us at the 2025 National Book Festival at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on September 6^th! If you know of know someone who works with such organizations, please share this opportunity far and wide.

Apply Here!

Story District

Launched in 2023, the Story District aims to cultivate a passion for reading among children and young adults. In this space, the Library hosts book readings by Festival authors, offering more freedom for innovative interactions with the audience. Additionally, exhibit space is provided for organizations to offer activities that enhance literacy, writing and storytelling skills.

STEM District

Started in 2024, the STEM District aims to foster a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, integrating these disciplines with literary activities, literature and the arts. In this space, the Library hosts presentations by Festival authors and subject matter experts focused on STEM topics. Additionally, exhibit space is provided for organizations to offer hands-on activities, experiments, exhibits and instructive presentations that promote STEM engagement, cultivating a broader respect for learning and discovery.

Benefits to Participating Organizations

• No fee for exhibiting.
• Opportunity to engage with thousands of attendees from Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and beyond.
• Space in Hall DE alongside exhibiting sponsors and other family-friendly activities.
• Names of participating organizations featured on the Festival website and other communications.
• And more!

For the 2025 National Book Festival, six organizations will be selected for each of the two districts, for a total of 12 featured organizations. The application is open until March 10th.

For more information, please review this website and explore all requirements before applying.