With its network of affiliated centers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia and more than 80 organizations serving as national reading promotion partners, the Center for the Book remained one of the Library's most dynamic and visible educational outreach programs.
Former Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin (1914-2004) founded the Center for the Book in 1977.
Highlights of the year included a center-led study tour to South Africa, from May 25 to June 4; record-breaking participation in Letters About Literature, the center's principal reading and writing promotion program; the first "Reading Powers the Mind" family literacy workshop, held at the Library of Congress, July 21-23; and major contributions by the center to the success of the 2004 National Book Festival, particularly in engaging author participation and organizing the Pavilion of the States. The center's reading promotion theme, "Telling America's Stories," cosponsored with the American Folklife Center, was extended through 2004, with first lady Laura Bush continuing to serve as the honorary chair.
The center continued to sponsor the popular Books & Beyond lecture series, featuring authors discussing their works in free programs at the Library of Congress. The center also organized a public memorial service for former Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin, the center's founder, who died in February.
