March 22, 2005 2005 National Book Festival to be Held Sept. 24

The 2005 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by first lady Laura Bush, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2005, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine). The festival is free and open to the public.

"Now in its fifth year, the Library’s book festival has fast become a national tradition with book lovers from around the country," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "This year’s festival promises to offer an even greater wealth of the nation’s creativity."

The 2004 festival attracted 70 award-winning authors, illustrators, poets and storytellers, and a crowd of more than 85,000. Pavilions at the 2005 National Book Festival will feature authors who write in a wide variety of genres, including "Fiction & Fantasy," "History & Biography," "Mysteries & Thrillers," "Poetry," "Home & Family," "Children" and "Teens & Children." "The Pavilion of the States" represents reading programs and literary events in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. trusts and territories. The popular "Let’s Read America" Pavilion will offer reading activities that are fun for the whole family.

Festival goers may bring books, or buy them at the festival, for authors to sign. Children can meet some of their favorite storybook and television characters, who will appear on the festival grounds throughout the day.

The 2005 National Book Festival will be made possible through the generous support of the private sector.

For more information about the 2005 National Book Festival, call toll-free (888) 714-4696 or visit the festival’s Web site at www.loc.gov/bookfest.