National Book Festival Updates: Schedule Launch and Family Friendly Activities

We’re excited to announce that we have posted the schedule for this year’s Library of Congress National Book Festival on the festival website here, also accessible via this link: loc.gov/bookfest.

We’ve been improving the website to make it easy to find events you’d be most interested in. Use the filter function to sort by location, event type, audience age or genre. Plus, a multiselect option is available within the 35+ genre tags. The “add to calendar” feature will let you add your favorite stage programs, signings and other events to your plan, both for Apple and Google calendars.  

As usual, a selection of programs will be livestreamed online, and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the festival. 

There is something for everyone at the festival, which offers a variety of author programs on stages and free activities for families. Explore a wide variety of activities and programs for families and attendees of all ages in Hall D (Level 2, North Building) of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Make, Learn and Create with the Library of Congress
Library of Congress specialists will offer visitors a wide range of interactive, kid and family-friendly activities that emphasize building skills and showcase the Library’s rich resources.  

• Make a 3D globe and explore how the Library maps the world.  

• Discover how braille works through a fun, hands-on coloring activity that teaches kids about reading through touch.  

• And more!

Follow the Roadmap to Reading  – Sponsored by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) 

Take a literary trip across the country by visiting the Roadmap to Reading, sponsored by the IMLS and supported by the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies. The Roadmap to Reading celebrates books and reading with representatives from across the United States and features book selections from the nationwide network of Centers for the Book. Every year, each Center for the Book selects a book for youth and one for a general adult audience, creating a list of books called Great Reads from Great Places. Pick up a Great Reads from Great Places brochure and explore the tables in the Roadmap to Reading to discover each state’s great reads and collect unique stamps along the way. Collect all of the stamps to receive a special giveaway at the Institute of Museum and Library Services booth. 

The Story District  

Storytelling comes alive at the Story District! Washington, D.C.-area literacy nonprofits join together to celebrate authors, illustrators and stories. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., this fun and lively area in Hall D features various activities for kids and families, including story times and interactive programs offered by the nonprofits and many of the authors featured at this year’s festival.  

The STEM District – Sponsored by General Motors (GM)
STEM District is back at the National Book Festival! Spend time in this dynamic space in Hall D to spark a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, where we blend STEM with literary activities and storytelling. Enjoy talks by children’s and young adult authors, hands-on activities and experiments, and engaging demonstrations and presentations. The STEM District stage will feature a full day of programming. 

Library of Congress Pavilion and Activities  

Visit the Library of Congress Pavilion to hear from Library experts about the hidden gems, historic treasures and innovative work happening at the nation’s Library. Learn how the Library preserves everything from rare books and maps to theater, dance and architecture. Explore topics like historic newspapers, the origins of audiobooks and what the Constitution means in plain English. Discover volunteer opportunities, resources for educators and writers, and even historical vegetarian recipes. Each session includes time for Q&A, providing the opportunity to ask questions and connect directly with Library staff. 

Sponsors and Exhibitors Activities
 

Folger Shakespeare Library 

Visit the Folger Shakespeare Library’s booth to try on kid-sized versions of Shakespearean costumes. There will be fairy wings, crowns, cloaks, swords and gowns, perfect for photos and impromptu performances. There will also be materials for making bookmarks and a Shakespeare Trivia game for visitors of all ages. 

Highlights Magazine  

Join in the Highlights scavenger hunt! Kids can stop by the Highlights booth, pick up their scavenger hunt card and win prizes.  

National Center on Improving Literacy  

Stop by the National Center on Improving Literacy’s booth for fun, hands-on vocabulary and comprehension activities the whole family can enjoy. Learn easy strategies to build reading skills at home and take away free resources to support your child’s literacy journey. 

Additional exhibitors include Institute of Museum and Library Services, Friends of the Library of Congress, American Psychological Association, Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, Libro.fm, National Building Museum, Planet Word, Library of Congress Store and U.S. Capitol Historical Society. 

We can’t wait to see you on September 6th. Tell us in the comments what events you’re most excited about!