October 7, 2010 Young Readers Center to Open on Selected Saturdays This Fall

The Young Readers Center in the Library of Congress will open on selected Saturdays this fall to enable more young people and their families to experience the wonders of the national library. The center, which opened in October 2009, will offer special programs during these Saturdays. It is located on the ground floor, Room G29, of the Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St. S.E., Washington, D.C.

The Young Readers Center will also take part in the annual Kids Euro Festival (www.kidseurofestival.org External) in cooperation with the Embassy of Spain. On Saturday, Oct. 23, and Saturday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., a celebration of Spanish children’s stories and culture will be held. The events are free and open to the public; no tickets are required. Designed for children ages 6-12, the festival is offered through the cooperation of 27 European Union embassies and more than 25 major cultural institutions in Washington.

Other programming in the Young Readers Center this fall:

Story Time
Tuesdays and Fridays at 10:45 a.m.
Drop in for 20 minutes of stories. Enjoy an old favorite or discover something new. Story time is open to young visitors interested in board books and picture books. No reservations needed.

Special Days of Opening (and holiday closing dates)

• Saturday, Oct. 9: Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Story time offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Monday, Oct. 13: closed
• Saturday, Oct. 23: Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Young Readers Center, the Kids Euro Festival and the Embassy of Spain for a celebration of Spanish children’s stories and culture. No reservations or tickets are required.
• Saturday, Nov. 6: Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Join the Young Readers Center, the Kids Euro Festival and the Embassy of Spain for a celebration of Spanish children’s stories and culture. No reservations or tickets are required.
• Thursday, Nov. 11: closed
• Friday, Nov. 26: Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Story time offered at 10:45 a.m.
• Saturday, Nov. 27: Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Story time offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Dec. 18: Center is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Story time offered at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Friday, Dec. 24: closed
• Friday, Dec. 31: closed

The Center for the Book (www.loc.gov/cfbook/), which oversees the Young Readers Center, was established by Congress in 1977 “to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress to promote books, reading, literacy and libraries.” With its many educational programs that reach readers of all ages, through its support of the National Book Festival and through its dynamic state centers in the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Center for the Book has developed a nationwide network of organizational partners dedicated to promoting the wonders and benefits of reading. The center also oversees the new Read.gov website, with its exclusive “Exquisite Corpse Adventure” serialized story.