Ever wondered what it would be like to work behind the scenes at the Library of Congress National Book Festival—hobnobbing with authors and Library staff, helping out festivalgoers, and taking part in a once-in-a-lifetime literary event?
I’ve worked the National Book Festival since its start in 2001, and it’s always the absolute highlight of my year. So many booklovers, so many authors, all of them having the time of their lives. It can be a big effort, but it always makes for an unforgettable experience.
Would you like to take part, and help your Library of Congress as we return to an in-person festival at the Washington Convention Center for the first time since 2019? Good news, you can! We’re looking for volunteers to provide wayfinding, distribute programs, act as stage ushers, man information booths and much more. Read the specific criteria below, and use the survey link to sign up today! We’d love to hear from you before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 24.
National Book Festival Volunteer Information
The 22nd annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, bringing together best-selling authors, illustrators and book lovers from around the world, will take place from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at 801 Mt. Vernon Place, NW, Washington, D.C. Here are the latest details on the 2022 festival.
The success of the festival depends on the efforts of more than 1,200 committed volunteers, many of whom return year after year – and we’re happy to announce that volunteer sign-ups are now open. We hope you will join us! All volunteers must meet five requirements to participate in the festival:
- be at least 16 years of age as of Saturday, September 3, 2022
- commit to at least one five-hour shift;
- attend a mandatory 90-minute virtual briefing session in advance of the festival;
- pick-up your t-shirt at the Library of Congress in advance of the Festival;
- sign a Library of Congress Voluntary Services Agreement when you pick up your t-shirt.
If you are confident you can meet the criteria outlined above and you wish to be a 2022 volunteer, please click here to complete the registration form. Once you have completed the registration form, you will receive a confirmation email within 72 hours with complete instructions. If you are unable to access the link to the form, please email [email protected] to apply. In the interest of being green, volunteers will receive volunteer assignments and a Volunteer Briefing Manual by email.
As either a volunteer or as an attendee, we look forward to seeing you in Washington on Sept. 3!
Comments (24)
I am a Junior in High School and I love books and literature. I would be honored to volunteer at the National Book Festival.
Great! If you’ll be 16 years old or older on Sept. 3, click the registration link in the post and sign up today! We’ll see you in September.
Delighted to know that the event will be in person this year and happy to volunteer again — probably wearing a mask.
As a history teacher, I would really appreciate being assigned to support that portion of the Festival if possible. Thanks for your consideration.
Thanks! Make sure you mark your preferences when you use the link in the post to register.
Can I pick up my T-shirt the day before the festival? Coming from Massachusetts.
Thanks for your comment! Please reach out to [email protected] for specifics.
Do you have any volunteer positions thar can be done remotely. I love the library in every way and would love to help with any task.
For this particular call, we’re asking for volunteer support on site. However, another Library initiative where you can volunteer remotely is our crowdsourcing program. For more information, visit https://crowd.loc.gov
For sure I would like to volunteer for the National BookFest!
Great! Just make sure you click the registration link in the post. And thanks!
Could we see a copy of the volunteer agreement before we commit?
Please submit your request to to [email protected] and thanks!
I would enjoy once again volunteering for this event.
Thanks for your interest! Please submit your request to the registration link in the post.
Is Faye Levin still leading the volunteer effort? Is she still involved?
This year, the festival’s volunteer recruitment and training effort is being led by the Library’s internal Visitor Engagement Office.
Faye Levin was a terrific leader and led the volunteers so skillfully and with grace. Will miss her this year!
I would like to thank you for the invitation but I am physically disabled and unable to get there. I pray that it will be a huge success, again thanks*
i will be available to volunteer with all pleasure as a community service and civic engagement Thanks for the invitation
Hello, is it too late for local authors to be apart of your event? If not, could you send information. Also. Information about volunteering. Thank you
Hi! You can get answers to both your questions at our Frequently Asked Questions page on the festival website: https://www.loc.gov/events/2022-national-book-festival/festival-information/frequently-asked-questions/
I would love to volunteer. As a college professor, the opportunity to assist the Library is great. Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you! Please visit this online registration form to complete your volunteer request form: https://www.research.net/r/2022NBFVolunteerRegistration
I’m interested in this offer and will how know proceed
Comments are closed.