A Welcome Message from the Librarian of Congress
Hello. I'm Jim Billington, the Librarian of Congress, inviting you to the ninth annual National Book Festival on Saturday, September 26th.
This year President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama will serve as honorary chairs of this free, all-day event on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Sponsored for the past 9 years by your library, the Library of Congress, the festival has attracted tens of thousand of book lovers from across the country. And we hope you can be with us this year to discover the joy of reading and be inspired by new authors and old favorites.
Dozens of award-winiing authors, poets and illustrators will be at the national festival, reading from their works, answering your questions and signing their books. So indulge your imagination as you interact with award-winning authors such as John Grisham, Judy Bloom, John Irving, Michael Connelly and many others. There is something there for everyone. Children can meet favorite story book characters and authors. Visitors can learn about reading programs from all 50 states and US territories. I invite you, your friends and family to join me on September 26th 10am to 5pm, rain or shine, on the National Mall in the heart of Washington, DC as we celebrate our shared love of reading.
Its fun and whether or not you can make this trip to Washington, you can experience this glorious event through our festival website which includes author biographies, photos and podcasts. There are also teaching tools and activities for kids. So mark your calendar and be a part of this national celebration of reading. Thank you.
