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Calling All Readers: The Library’s National Book Festival Presents Series Closes Fall Season With Three Vibrant Programs

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The following is a guest post by Marie Arana, director of literary initiatives in the Library of Congress Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement.

Do you love to read? Whatever your favorite subject, the Library of Congress’s National Book Festival Presents series has something for you. Coming this week and next, are three authors who write about three very different subjects: world history, children’s books, and fiction.

These programs are all free and open to the public. You must register, but tickets are still available, so hurry, don’t wait!

Wednesday, November 6, 7 p.m.

For history lovers . . .

Author Karen Armstrong (credit Michael Lionstar)
Author Karen Armstrong (credit Michael Lionstar)

Karen Armstrong, the world’s pre-eminent scholar of religion, discusses her new book, “The Lost Art of Scripture,” which explains how sacred works—inherently artworks—have been co-opted by religious fundamentalists around the world and taken literally, whereas they were meant for a very different purpose. Register for the Karen Armstrong event.


Friday, November 8, 6 p.m.

For children’s book lovers . . .

Author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos
Author Brad Meltzer and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos

Brad Meltzer—children’s writer, thriller writer, and popular historian—and illustrator Chris Eliopoulos launch the new PBS Series, “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum,” which is based on a series of books that inspire early readers to imagine greatness, “Ordinary People Change the World.” The pair will feature the latest works in that series, “I Am Marie Curie” and “I Am Walt Disney.” Register for the Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos event.


Wednesday, November 13, 7 p.m.

For fiction lovers . . .

André Aciman
André Aciman

André Aciman, the author of the bestselling novel “Call Me By Your Name,” which was made into an Academy Award-winning movie, presents his sequel to that story, “Find Me.” This novel has been called one of the most anticipated books of the year. Register for the André Aciman event.


All programs are held in the Coolidge Auditorium, Library of Congress, 10 First Street SE. Doors open an hour before each scheduled program.

Comments (3)

  1. when can I find a podcast of Karen Armstrong’s Nov 6 talk?

    • Lynne – A video of Karen Armstrong’s presentation will be available on the Library’s website and the Library’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/loc) in a few weeks. You can subscribe to our “New Videos” e-mail alert to receive notifications about new videos, //www.loc.gov/subscribe/#new-on-the-web. Thanks for asking.

  2. I have two recommendations for future book talks:

    Susan Page – Biography of Barbara Bush. Susan is Editor of USA Today, and frequent TV guest.

    David Roll – Biography of George Marshall. David is an international lawyer, and author of books on the Roosevelt Administration. See NYT review 11/10/19.

    Both are well known to me, and much admired.

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