To ensure a safe and healthy event experience for everyone, please do not attend if you are feeling ill or are
within CDC recommended isolation timeframes after a positive test.
Masks are optional but encouraged when following CDC guidelines after a positive test; if distancing is not
possible; for those who may be at increased risk; and anyone who feels more comfortable doing so.
Some authors may request that attendees wear masks during signing events.
Attendees are encouraged to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer regularly. Hand sanitizer stations are
available throughout the venue.
What to Expect Upon Entry
Upon entering the Walter E. Washington Convention Center be prepared for weapons detection security screening. All guests will be subject to bag searches and walk-through magnetometers. This will also apply to reentry throughout the course of the day.
After clearing the security screening area, guests will be able to move freely around the Walter E. Washington Convention
Center.
Increased security measures may be in place at the time of the Festival.
Tips for the National Book Festival
Festivalgoers should arrive early to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center to allow enough time to adjust to
the Festival’s safety screening protocol.
Festivalgoers are only permitted one bag per person, in addition to a handbag or purse. Strollers with children
are permitted, but no wheeled luggage is allowed. Bags larger than 20 in x 16 in x 12 in are not allowed.
To avoid problems or confusion, the Library of Congress recommends festivalgoers limit the items they bring to the
festival.
There will be no place to store or check items such as coats.
Non-Permitted Items
Dangerous weapons such as firearms (and their replicas), fireworks, explosives, knives of any size, pointed
objects, razors and box cutters, stun guns, pepper spray, mace and martial arts weapons (note: active duty law
enforcement with proper credentials may carry their weapons)
Aerosol containers
Any items that bring to question public safety deemed problematic by law enforcement
Protest materials, including picket signs and handouts
