The author lineup for the 2014 Library of Congress National Book Festival is growing all the time, building excitement for the free event being held Saturday, August 30 from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Yes, that’s right, a 12-hour day in a new venue, with all the features you know and love by day and a bunch of fascinating new offerings by night – a first in the festival’s 14-year run.
Recent additions to the speakers’ list include science writer Michio Kaku; novelists Mona Simpson, Elizabeth McCracken, Anne Hillerman and Sara Sue Hoklotubbe; graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier; poet Albert Rios; kids’ authors Jack Gantos, Francesco Marciulano, and Judith Viorst; and chef/authors Cathal Armstrong, Sheilah Kaufman, Amy Riolo and Laura and Peter Zeranski.
Following the day’s talks, with Q&A, by more than 100 authors for readers of all ages – and book-signings by those authors—the festival will offer special events between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. including a poetry slam, a panel discussion/screening titled “Great Books to Great Movies,” and a “super-session” for fans of the graphic-novel genre.
The festival’s new location also facilitates an expanded selection of genre pavilions. In addition to the longtime pavilions History & Biography, Fiction & Mystery, Poetry & Prose, Children’s, Contemporary Life, Teens and Special Programs, this year’s festival also will offer new pavilions focused on Science, the Culinary Arts, and for young readers, Picture Books.
For more information, go to the festival website. While you’re there, you can download this year’s festival poster by artist Bob Staake. (Turn up the sound if you click Bob’s link!)