It’s that time of year again: The Library of Congress’s National Book Festival is this Saturday, August 30th. From 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, meet over 100 authors and illustrators, watch presentations and buy books with fellow D.C. bibliophiles.
A full list of the authors and programming can be found on the Library of Congress’ website, but here are a few highlights:
Some big names in government, who have also made literary contributions, will be in attendance. Reps. James Clyburn and John Lewis will present and sign their books on the civil rights movement, former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan will sign his latest book The Map and the Territory, and retired Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will interview her brother on his book about saving wild horses.
Celebrated novelists Alice McDermott and Kate DiCamillo will speak, along with Francisco Goldman, E. L. Doctorow, Ishmael Baeh, and others who are especially known for their ability to tell stories from history and personal experience through fiction.
Doris Kearns Goodwin, Kai Bird, and Amie Parnes are just a few of the prominent biographers who will be there to present and sign their books.
Former Poet Laureate Billy Collins will take part in both the Children and Poetry & Prose presentations, where he will talk about and recite his poetry.
There are also plenty of special programs taking place for adults and kids. In the morning, the “Poetry Out Loud” contest encourages young people to learn about poetry through memorization and recitation. The “Books In Translation” panel will explore why “translators the unsung heroes of the literary world,” while “Anthology of Spanish Writers” will share reflections of leading Spanish writers on their most meaningful work.
Evening presentations include the “Graphic Novels Super Session”, “Letters About Literature”, a poetry slam, and the “Great Books To Great Movies” panel moderated by Washington Post film critic Ann Hornaday.
Until this year, the National Book Festival had always been held on the National Mall, but, as the Washington Post reported earlier this year, National Park Service concerns ultimately moved the event indoors. On the bright side, the festival can now continue past sundown (the theme is “Stay Up With A Good Book”), and more easily allow culinary demos, panel discussions, and film screenings.
The festival is free and open to the public. You can bring your own books to be signed; they do not have to be purchased there.
