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Festival Information

The 22nd annual Library of Congress National Book Festival will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 3, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (doors open at 8:30 a.m.). The event is free and open to the public. This year's theme is "Books Bring Us Together." A selection of programs will be livestreamed online and videos of all programs will be available shortly after the Festival. Attendees may expect enhanced safety and security measures when entering the Convention Center.

COVID-19 Health and Safety

Masks are optional, but use is encouraged. It is advisable to wear a mask if close contact cannot be avoided, or if you are arriving to the National Book Festival from a situation or location that required masking.

When attending the 2022 Library of Congress National Book Festival:

  • Please do not attend the event if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, were diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 5 days, or have been recommended to quarantine or isolate by a medical official.
  • Consider testing yourself using a home rapid COVID test kit prior to arrival.
  • Consider your personal risk factors and those of your close contacts at home and take appropriate measures to protect yourself. This may include being up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination and wearing a well-fitting, high quality mask while attending the Festival and its activities. Understanding Risk | CDC

What to Expect Upon Entry

  • Upon entering the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during the Festival, all guests will be subject to bag searches. This will also apply to reentry throughout the course of the day.
  • After clearing the bag check area, guests will be able to move freely around the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Tips for the National Book Festival

  • Festivalgoers should arrive early to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to allow enough time to adjust to the Festival’s safety screening protocol.
  • Festivalgoers are only permitted one bag per person, in addition to a handbag or purse. Strollers with children are permitted, but no wheeled luggage is allowed. Bags larger than 20 in x 16 in x 12 in are not allowed.
  • To avoid problems or confusion, the Library of Congress recommends festivalgoers limit the items they bring to the festival.
  • There will be no place to store or check items such as coats.

Non-Permitted Items

  • Dangerous weapons such as firearms (and their replicas), fireworks, explosives, knives of any size, pointed objects, razors and box cutters, stun guns, pepper spray, mace and martial arts weapons (note: active duty law enforcement with proper credentials may carry their weapons)
  • Aerosol containers
  • Any items that bring to question public safety deemed problematic by law enforcement
  • Protest materials, including picket signs and handouts
  • Large wheeled luggage
  • Any items intended for sale