The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : Letters About Literature

The Library’s Center for the Book continues its search for young readers and writers, inviting students in grades 4-12 to enter the Letters About Literature promotional program. [www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/letters.html] All are encouraged to write a personal letter to an author — past or present — expressing how that author’s work has changed the student’s view of himself or herself or of the world. State winners are chosen, as well as six national winners, who are honored at the Library’s National Book Festival.

Two girls wearing white dresses and dark stockings reading a book], ca. 1900

Six national winners of the 2005 “Letters About Literature” contest with Target’s Beth McGuire left, Librarian James Billington, center, and Center for the Book Director John Cole, right, at the National Book Festival, Sept. 24, 2005

A recently issued Library news release offers more information on this year’s program and state winners. View a webcast for the 2004 National Book Festival featuring the national winners of that year reading their letters.

While there, make sure to check out the Library’s other webcasts on such topics as biography, history, culture, education, poetry, literature, religion, science and technology.

The Center for the Book was established in 1977 to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress to promote books, reading, libraries and literacy. Throughout the year, the division holds author lectures as part of the popular Books & Beyond series - any of which are available as webcasts. Notable authors have included John Hope Franklin, Nicholas Basbanes, Sharon Robinson, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson and David Baldacci.

A. Virginia M. Prall, photographer. [Two girls wearing white dresses and dark stockings reading a book], ca. 1900. Frances Benjamin Johnston Collection, Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction No.: LC-USZC4-907` (color film copy transparency). Call No.: Lot 3222, no. 71 [P&P]

B. John Harrington, photographer. Six national winners of the 2005 “Letters About Literature” contest with Target’s Beth McGuire left, Librarian James Billington, center, and Center for the Book Director John Cole, right, at the National Book Festival, Sept. 24, 2005. Reproduction information: Not available for reproduction.