Distinguished Benefactor
Target
Along with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, Target sponsors the Letters About Literature program, which invites students in grades 4 through 12 to write a letter to an author, past or present, who has inspired them or altered their view of the world or themselves. Target awards six $10,000 reading promotion grants to school or community libraries in honor of our six national winners, along with a $500 Target GiftCard for each winner. In addition, 12 reading promotion grants of $1,000 are awarded to school or community libraries in honor of our 12 honorable mention winners. Each of the honorable mention winners also receives a $100 Target GiftCard. State winners each receive a $50 GiftCard for their appreciation of reading.
At the Let’s Read America II Pavilion, visitors will enjoy photos taken with Bullseye, the Target dog, and coloring in the Bullseye Book of Activities.
Target recognizes the integral role reading plays in shaping a child’s education and future. Because reading provides a foundation for lifelong learning, Target supports early childhood reading by putting books in the hands of parents through pediatrician visits, helping military families stay connected through United Through Reading’s read-aloud-by-DVD program, sponsoring a national writing contest in partnership with the Library of Congress and supporting book festivals across the country.
For more information, visit Target.com/education .
Since opening its doors, Target has given 5 percent of its income to organizations that support education, the arts, social services and volunteerism. Today that equals more than $3 million every week.
Target is proud to be a Distinguished Benefactor of the 2009 National Book Festival.
Charter Sponsors
PBS KIDS Raising Readers
PBS KIDS Raising Readers utilizes public media to help build the reading skills of children ages 2 to 8, especially those from low-income families. The national initiative develops reading-focused PBS KIDS multi-media content, including TV, Web content and games, mobile technology and professional development for parents, caregivers and teachers. Using research-based methodologies focused on how children learn from media, PBS KIDS Raising Readers employs a 360-degree approach, surrounding children and families with learning opportunities where they live, play and learn.
PBS KIDS Raising Readers is funded by a Ready To Learn Grant from the US Department of Education (DOE); cooperative agreement of the DOE, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), PBS and The Ready To Learn Partnership.
Sign up and track your child’s progress at www.pbskids.org/read today. It’s free!
Explore the world of learning in the PBS KIDS Raising Readers pavilion. See “Elmo” and his Sesame Street friends in a live stage show; sing-along with PBS KIDS’ SteveSongs or join us for story time.
Take your picture with the cast of Super Why, “Martha” from Martha Speaks, “Leona” or “Cleo” from Between the Lions, “Duck” from WordWorld or other PBS KIDS favorites like “Curious George” and “Clifford the Big Red Dog.”
Parents can learn how to track a child’s learning progress for free online. Kids can immerse themselves in skill-building activities. Educators will learn all about PBS KIDS Raising Readers teacher resources.
It’s all happening in the PBS KIDS Raising Readers pavilion and continues on www.pbskids.org/read and your local PBS station!
PBS KIDS Raising Readers performance times:
10:15 Story readings
10:45 Sing-along with SteveSongs
11:00 Story readings
11:30 SESAME STREET featuring Elmo
12:00pm Story readings
12:45pm Sing-along with SteveSongs
2:00 SESAME STREET featuring Elmo
2:30 Sing-along with SteveSongs
3:00 Story readings
3:30 Sing-along with SteveSongs
3:45 Story readings
Pose with your favorite PBS KIDS walk-around characters outside the PBS KIDS Raising Readers pavilion:
Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street
Arthur
Buddy from Dinosaur Train
Cleo from Between the Lions
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Curious George
Duck from WordWorld
Hooper from PBS KIDS
Leona from Between the Lions
Martha from Martha Speaks
Maya & Miguel
Mister McFeely the Speedy Delivery Man from Mister Rogers Neighborhood
Princess Presto from Super Why
Ruff Ruffman from Fetch!
Sid from Sid the Science Kid
Super Why
Alpha Pig from Super Why
Wonder Red from Super Why
WordGirl
The Washington Post
The Washington Post has been a sponsor of the National Book Festival since its inception in 2001. The Post’s “Book World” is one of the most distinguished book review desks in the country, renowned for its excellence in reviewing. “Book World” Critics Jonathan Yardley and Michael Dirda have won Pulitzer Prizes for outstanding work in literary criticism; Ron Charles was awarded a 2008 National Book Critics Circle Award for his exceptional work as a fiction reviewer. Marie Arana, a writer-at-large for the paper and the former editor of “Book World,” is on the organizing committee of the National Book Festival.
“Book World” staff will be at the Let’s Read America I Pavilion to talk about book coverage and The Washington Post’s commitment to reading and literacy. Visitors will have the opportunity to receive free copies of “Book World’s” Festival issue and Post memorabilia (as long as supplies last!) and be photographed with The Washington Post’s mascot, Ned the Newshound.
The Washington Post is one of the leading news organizations in the country, with nearly 10 million online readers worldwide. Our print edition has the largest circulation of any newspaper in the nation’s capital and one of the highest market-penetration rates of any metropolitan news daily. Dedicated to the principle that an inquisitive and informed reader is a good citizen, The Post has launched many initiatives supporting literacy and education. We are committed to the notion that books and ideas matter.
The Washington Post is very proud to be a Charter Sponsor of the National Book Festival.
Patrons
AT&T
AT&T invites you to the join Dipper, the AT&T Cares star, in the Let's Read America I Pavilion. AT&T encourages all employees and retirees to volunteer, especially with local nonprofits and schools. In addition, AT&T provides many grants in the area of education as part of its Aspire Program.
In the Let's Read America I Pavilion, you'll have chance to meet some of AT&T's volunteers, pick up a souvenir and pose for a photo with Dipper. The 2009 National Book Festival marks AT&T's ninth year as a major sponsor. AT&T is proud to partner with the Library of Congress in this annual celebration of reading.
Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
The James Madison Council
The James Madison Council is a private-sector group created to serve as the Library of Congress' primary link to the business community. The first private-sector advisory body in the Library's history, the Council consists of public-spirited citizens determined to help the nation receive the full benefits of the Library's incomparable educational, scientific, technological and cultural resources.
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) sponsors the National Book Festival Poetry & Prose Pavilion. NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts-both new and established-bringing the arts to all Americans, and providing leadership in arts education. Established by Congress in 1965 as an independent agency of the federal government, the Arts Endowment is the largest national funder of the arts, bringing great art to all 50 states, including rural areas, inner cities and military bases. For more information, please visit www.arts.gov.
Contributors
Borders
Borders is pleased to be the official bookseller at the 2009 National Book Festival. We are committed to helping our customers lead richer and more satisfying lives through knowledge and entertainment. More than 25,000 employees worldwide engage our customers with a rich shopping experience and provide them with the books, music, movies, and other entertainment items they love in a relaxing, enjoyable atmosphere. Borders embraces its role as a vital, contributing member of the community that reaches out to connect with people. Our stores are community gathering places where our customers can enjoy many free in-store events including readings by nationally known authors and local talents, music performances, celebrity appearances, book clubs, discussion groups, community events, storytimes and parties for kids, as well as other activities for the whole family. Borders is committed to our customers, our employees and to our communities. For more information visit http://www.borders.com/online/store/BGIView_bgicommnational .
Digital Bookmobile powered by OverDrive
Learn about free e-book, audiobook, music and video downloads from the public library on the Digital Bookmobile powered by OverDrive. Housed inside an 18-wheel tractor-trailer, the Digital Bookmobile supports reading and literacy in communities nationwide by building an immersive experience around a public library website. This high-tech update of the traditional bookmobile is equipped with broadband Internet-connected PCs, high-definition monitors, premium sound systems and a variety of portable media players -- all of which help visitors explore download services from the public library. Plus, interactive learning stations give visitors an opportunity to search a library's digital catalog, use supported mobile devices and sample popular e-book, audiobook, music and video titles. Visit www.digitalbookmobile.com
Library of Congress Federal Credit Union (LCFCU)
The Library of Congress Federal Credit Union (LCFCU) invites you to join us with author Sam Renick and his favorite bunny friend, “Sammy the Saver” Rabbit, for lessons in good family saving habits at the Let's Read America I Pavilion. Stop by the LCFCU fun center, where Sam will conduct readings and performances with Sammy. Young visitors will learn about the importance of good habits for saving through the fun of reading. LCFCU hosts the family exhibit with giveaways in addition to performances and reading activities throughout the day.
LCFCU is a member-owned financial services cooperative that provides financial services and champions financial literacy for all age groups – from primary students through retirement. Membership is open to all residents, employees, students and worshippers in the District of Columbia, in addition to our original sponsor group, families of employees and contractors at the Library of Congress. Financial literacy support for all ages is available daily from LCFCU on the credit union website, www.lcfcu.org.
LCFCU provides our members a partnership with BALANCE, a free financial fitness program, and Googolplex, an online resource for student moneymakers, K-12. Online, adult members also find consumer finance education in English and Spanish from Home & Family Finance Resource Center and Anytime Adviser, money management tutorials. For teens, Guides to Independence are online courses with course completion rewards. MoneyMix is interactive assistance for the 25-30 set; and PlanIT is designed for the pre-retiree age group of 40-60+. All these financial literacy benefits are available to entire families through credit union membership.
This is LCFCU's third year actively participating to champion financial literacy for families with an exhibit in the Let's Read America I Pavilion. Credit union staff members served as event volunteers in years previous to our official sponsorship of the festival.
Readings and Performances with Sam and Sammy:
10:40-11:00
12:10-12:30
1:40-2:00
3:10-3:30
Penguin Group (USA)
Don't miss the Pearson area featuring Penguin Group (USA) and the Pearson Foundation, where kids can have their photo taken with the Penguin in the Let's Read America I Pavilion. Throughout the day, children will have the opportunity to participate in fun activities, where they can read with the Penguin, create their own personalized bookmarks and enjoy other arts and crafts projects from Jumpstart’s Read for the Record and the 2009 campaign book, the classic Philomel title, A Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle. There will also be group readings, free books and other prizes given away all day long.
ReadAloud.org
Have you ever talked to a goat about your love of books? Well, now's your chance! Come meet Hilda, the spokesgoat for ReadAloud.org and the hero of Hilda, a Very Loyal Goat, in the Let's Read America I Pavilion. Yes, Hilda is a talking goat. And he's the host of a reading game show that kids can play throughout the day to win prizes while showing off their knowledge of books and reading. There will also be readings from Hilda's new book by author Jennifer Liu Bryan. Come to the ReadAloud.org area to share your love of reading with Hilda, and to learn more about his favorite cause – families reading aloud together today! ReadAloud.org is dedicated to encouraging families to read aloud together and share in the joy of reading. Visit ReadAloud.org to learn more about Hilda and other books from ReadAloud.org!
Readings and Games with Hilda the Goat:
10:10– 10:30
11:10 – 11:30
11:40 – 12:00
12:40 – 1:00
1:10 – 1:30
2:10 – 2:30
2:40 – 3:00
3:40 – 4:00
4:10 – 4:30
Scholastic Inc.
Family Corner
Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education and media company, has a corporate mission of helping children around the world to read and learn. Recognizing that literacy is the cornerstone of a child's intellectual, personal and cultural growth, Scholastic has created quality products and services that educate, entertain and motivate children and are designed to help enlarge their understanding of the world around them. Scholastic's total commitment to social responsibility and educational outreach is demonstrated by its diverse partnerships, which address today's most critical issues facing communities, with an emphasis on reading and literacy.
This year at the National Book Festival, take a moment to celebrate your love of books, creativity and family togetherness with your child at the Scholastic Family Corner in the Let’s Read America I Pavilion. Once again Scholastic brings back the popular Build-a-Book. Using simple craft materials and a glue stick, you and your child can turn a blank book into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece! This is a great family activity that’s fun, easy and rewarding, and develops a love of reading that can last a lifetime! This year, families can choose to donate their finished book to a local children’s charity.
“It only takes a little….to BE BIG!”
Also, the Scholastic Family Corner will feature BE BIG! BE BIG is a national campaign that invites everyone—big and small—to take action, raise awareness and demonstrate how CLIFFORD'S BIG IDEAS (Share, Play Fair, Have Respect, Work Together, Be Responsible, Be a Good Friend, Help Others, Be Truthful, Be Kind, Believe in Yourself) can help make the world a better place. Scholastic created the BE BIG campaign and teamed up with HandsOn Network (www.handsonnetwork.org ) to engage local communities and reward BE BIG actions.
Visit the BE BIG interactive zone in the Let’s Read America I Pavilion to learn about volunteer opportunities in your area, get tips on family volunteer activities and find out how every member of your family can BE BIG. www.scholastic.com/cliffordbebig
US Airways
US Airways and its employees are committed to supporting community organizations and initiatives to enhance the quality of life in the airline’s hub markets and focus cities. US Airways recognizes that true community stewardship must be reflected both internally through a supportive and dedicated employee base and externally with strong partnerships with nonprofit organizations that strive to meet critical needs. The airline’s approach is hands-on and collaborative and seeks to form relationships that combine financial and in-kind resources with human resources in the areas of health, human services, arts and culture, and education and environment.
In March 2008, US Airways became the official airline of Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s oldest and largest children’s and family nonprofit literacy organization. US Airways is proud to celebrate the wonders of reading with employees, passengers and readers nationwide through the Fly with US, Read with Kids campaign. As a dedicated supporter of children’s literacy, US Airways is proud to join with RIF to provide books and literacy services to children served by RIF programs throughout the country. The Do Crew, US Airways’ employee volunteer corps, partners with local RIF programs to distribute books and conduct reading rallies to help children foster a lifelong love of reading. This year, all readers were invited to participate in the “Read with Kids Challenge.” By going online and tracking the time spent reading with children, participants read more than 10 million minutes, exceeding the goal by more than 100 percent. In addition, US Airways encouraged all participants to support RIF’s mission by making a donation. Donors received a special edition of the Off You Go, Maisy children’s book and were eligible to receive up to 5,000 Dividend Miles from US Airways. To learn more about the RIF and US Airways partnership, visit www.rif.org .
In Let’s Read America I, stop by US Airways and learn how to Soar Into Reading with Us.
Friends
Marshall B. Coyne Foundation
The Hay-Adams
National Endowment for the Humanities
The National Endowment for the Humanities serves and strengthens the United States by promoting excellence in the humanities and conveying the lessons of history to all Americans through grants supporting research, education, preservation and public programs in the humanities. NEH is supporting the 2009 National Book Festival through a grant to the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress for its festival-related activities and by funding participation in the Pavilion of the States by nine humanities-based state centers for the book. For information on NEH, visit www.neh.gov.
A Note of Thanks
C-SPAN2's Book TV
All weekend, every weekend, join Book TV for the latest nonfiction books and authors in biography, history, current events, the media and more. Book TV brings book festivals, author discussions, readings, panels and book events from across the country to its viewers. Book TV will be live from the National Book Festival with author panels, viewer call-ins, and other events. For schedules and information about Book TV on C-SPAN2, visit www.booktv.org .
Junior League of Washington (JLW)
For the seventh consecutive year, the Junior League of Washington will play a major role at the National Book Festival by providing 400 member volunteers to staff the event.
In 1999, the Junior League of Washington established literacy as its focus area and stated "The Junior League of Washington will strive to lead, coordinate, and support programs in the metropolitan Washington, DC area that enhance the literacy skills in the community." Supporting the National Book Festival is a natural extension of the Junior League of Washington's focus on literacy. This year, Junior League of Washington members will volunteer more than 50,000 hours of service in the community towards addressing children, adult and cultural literacy needs.
Throughout its 97-year history, the Junior League of Washington has raised more than $4.6 million for community programs and has been a vibrant force in the lives of women and children in the national capital area. In May 2009, JLW awarded $50,000 in grant funding to two local non-profits as part of JLW's continued efforts to improve literacy in the Washington D.C. area.
In addition to awarding grants, the Junior League of Washington, through its "Books for Bright Futures" program, fosters literacy by donating over 1,000 books annually to community organizations. The JLW donates thousands of new age-appropriate books each year. The JLW also has a partnership with the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, a branch of the D.C. Public Library through which it supports various projects the library offers to encourage reading among the District's children.
The Junior League of Washington, a nonprofit organization with more than 2,200 members, is committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For information on JLW, visit www.jlw.org .
