Schedule

9:00 AM

Event | lectures and symposia Connecting Communities Digital Initiative: Library Collections for Everyone
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:00 am - 9:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Since 2021, the Library, through its Of the People: Widening the Path (OTP) program, has provided support to individuals and organizations to create projects by and focused on communities of color. Hear from the Connecting Communities Digital Initiative and the American Folklife Center as they share the amazing work of OTP awardees and how you can also use the Library's vast digital collections.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational, Middle Eastern or North African, Native American, Social Justice
Event | special events Family-Friendly Activities at the National Book Festival
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:00 am - 6:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Explore a wide array of fun and exciting activities and programs from the Library of Congress, sponsors and exhibitors. Don't miss the Roadmap to Reading or the scheduled presentations, readings and demonstrations in the Library of Congress Pavilion, the STEM District and the Story District. Learn more on the Family-Friendly Activities webpage.
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Interactive Activities, Library Expert Presentations, Live Demonstrations, Special Programs, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational
Event | special events Library Lounge
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 145 (Street Level, North Building)
Stop by the Library Lounge to rest, read and enjoy quiet, self-guided activities throughout the day. Sponsored by Friends of the Library of Congress.
- Stage: Library Lounge
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Fun and Funny
Event | lectures and symposia The Magic of Molecules: Exploring Diffusion and Osmosis
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:00 am - 9:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Get ready for a tiny adventure! This demonstration will explore diffusion and osmosis, two super cool processes that help plants and animals survive. Using microscopes, we’ll watch these processes happen in real-time inside cells. Presented by BabyScientist.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): Nature, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Welcome to Story District with "No More Señora Mimí" by Meg Medina
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:00 am - 9:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Meg Medina opens Story District programming and reads aloud from her new picture book, "No More Señora Mimí."
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Picture Book

9:30 AM

Event | lectures and symposia Are Secrets Better Buried? Families in Fiction: Donna Hemans and Rachel Khong
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
Family secrets often worm to the surface. Hemans’ “The House of Plain Truth” follows Pearline who is attempting to find family missing for 50 years. Khong’s “Real Americans” introduces us to an unlikely couple — what secrets does their relationship portend? Moderated by Justine Kenin.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Family, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Event | lectures and symposia David Baldacci on His Latest Thriller "A Calamity of Souls"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:15 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
David Baldacci is back with another suspenseful thriller, and he’s back at the National Book Festival. In “A Calamity of Souls,” he tackles the racial politics of a 1968 murder case in southern Virginia in which two very different lawyers partner together to defend a wrongfully accused Black Vietnam veteran. Moderated by Colleen Shogan.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, Thriller
Event | lectures and symposia Ensuring That All May Read
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
How does the Library of Congress help readers with disabilities access reading materials? Learn more about the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, its 93-year history and the service that it provides to readers of all ages around the country.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia Making and Writing with Historic Inks
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
How did people get ink to write with before they could buy it in a store? They made it from natural materials! Come hear and interact with the Library’s scientists about historic inks, tools and materials. Learn how they study these inks and try the inks out for yourself. Presented by the Library of Congress Preservation Research and Testing Division.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Interactive Activities
- Genre(s): History, Nature, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia "Mr. Tiger Goes Wild" by Peter Brown
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Are you tired of behaving all the time? Don’t you sometimes want to unleash your wildness? Join Mr. Tiger in this read-aloud of picture book “Mr. Tiger Goes Wild” by Peter Brown, who also wrote the "Wild Robot" series, featured at this year’s National Book Festival.
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Nature, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia My Heritage Is My Weapon: YA Fantasy with Tomi Adeyemi and Vanessa Le
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
Blood. Power. Reclamation. Zélie in Tomi Adeyemi’s “Children of Anguish and Anarchy” and Nhika in Vanessa Le’s “The Last Bloodcarver” want nothing more than freedom from their oppressors and colonizers, but are they willing to lose everything in return? Adeyemi and Le discuss their impactful fantasy novels with strong ties to heritage with Christine Bollow.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Book Series, Debut, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia The Secret Lives of Librarians with James Patterson
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:15 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
James Patterson is known for his addictive thrillers, but he published a nonfiction book earlier this year, “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians,” which profiles Americans who are getting good books into the hands of readers across the country. He and moderator David M. Rubenstein talk about their love of reading — and respect for booksellers and librarians — at this event.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Biography, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia To the Edge of the World: Rethinking Exploration with Amanda Bellows and Hampton Sides
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
Journey from the frontier to the sea with Amanda Bellows and Hampton Sides as they uncover startling details of explorers confronting the unknown. By profiling 10 explorers’ lives, Bellows’ “The Explorers” revises our understanding of who gets to be called an “explorer.” Sides’ “The Wide Wide Sea” dives into Captain James Cook’s final voyage and its impact on Indigenous people. Moderator: Frederick F. Wherry.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Biography, History, Nature, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia A Whirlwind of Words! with Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 9:30 am - 10:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
A dictionary is full of words, but can she tell a story? She gives it a shot, but when an alligator escapes and starts waking up ghosts and donuts and zebras, everything turns into a word tornado! What is a simple dictionary to do? Enjoy the dynamic picture book “The Dictionary Story” by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book

10:00 AM

Event | lectures and symposia "I Don’t Want to Read This Book" by Max Greenfield
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:00 am - 10:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Have you ever NOT wanted to read a book? Or do you generally think reading is icky and books are gross? It’s ok if you do! Stop by this read-aloud to NOT enjoy books and NOT read them but still have fun. Note: Book may be read by volunteer.
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Fiction, Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia ¡La Biblioteca del Congreso es para todos!
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:00 am - 10:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Súmense a nuestra única presentación en español para tener una visión general de la Biblioteca, sus colecciones, programas y servicios. Entérense de los recursos y datos divertidos disponibles para quienes aman la cultura, la historia y, sobre todo, ¡la lectura!
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational
Event | lectures and symposia Spectacular Science Demonstrations!
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:00 am - 10:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Two scientists will present live science demonstrations featuring solutions that change color, bubble and smoke! This show will be educational, entertaining and engaging for scientists of any age. Presented by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Where Can We Find Kindness? with Steve Asbell and Stephanie Seales
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:10 am - 10:40 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
How do we learn how to be kind to ourselves and to people around us? Steve Asbell demonstrates the way stimming can help every kid with their emotions in “Flap Your Hands,” and Stephanie Seales shows us, through the eyes of a girl, how her father is a role model in their community in “My Daddy Is a Cowboy.” Moderated by Alli Hartley-Kong.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children, Panels
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational, Neurodiversity, Picture Book

10:30 AM

Event | special events David Baldacci Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
David Baldacci signs "A Calamity of Souls" in book signing line 9.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, Thriller
Event | lectures and symposia Guardians of the Green: Sustainable Living Made Simple
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:30 am - 11:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Discover how easy and fun sustainability can be with tips from Sustainability Matters. Learn how to turn your everyday actions into powerful steps that can help our planet. We’ll demonstrate how to reuse regular household materials to reduce waste and conserve resources. Perfect for young eco-warriors looking to make a difference! Presented by Sustainability Matters.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Children, For Teens, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): Nature, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Hispanic American Business Icons
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:30 am - 11:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Embark on a journey into captivating tales of trailblazing Hispanic American entrepreneurs from the Library collections. Explore sources that document the extraordinary lives of icon Desi Arnaz, the multifaceted Cuban-born entertainer; Federico José Ronstadt, the illustrious Tucson tycoon; Don Prudencio and Carolina Uanue, who created Goya foods; and Don Vicente Martinez Ybor, the Cigar industrialist and founder of Ybor City.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Hispanic, History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction
Event | special events James Patterson Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
James Patterson signs "The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their Stories Are Better Than the Bestsellers" in book signing line 7.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Biography, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | special events Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:30 am - 11:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston sign "The Dictionary Story" in book signing line 3.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia "Timid" by Jonathan Todd
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:30 am - 11:00 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Jonathan Todd reads excerpts from his graphic novel “Timid,” which is based on the story of his own life (mostly) and is featured at this year's National Book Festival. Hear about this author’s life as a kid who didn’t fit in and struggled to find his voice, using his talent for drawing as a way to try to figure out where he belonged.
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction Winner James McBride
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:35 am - 11:20 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
James McBride is the latest recipient of the Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden bestows McBride with the prize, and McBride has a conversation with NPR’s Michel Martin at this event about his latest novel “The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store” and his writing career as a whole.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery
Event | special events Amanda Bellows and Hampton Sides Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:45 am - 11:45 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Amanda Bellows signs "The Explorers: A New History of America in Ten Expeditions" and Hampton Sides signs "The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact and the Fateful Final Voyage of Captain James Cook" in book signing line 11.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Biography, History, Nature, Nonfiction
Event | special events Donna Hemans and Rachel Khong Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:45 am - 11:45 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Donna Hemans signs "The House of Plain Truth" and Rachel Khong signs "Real Americans" in book signing line 13.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Family, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
Event | lectures and symposia Fathers, Sons, Guns — Novels of the West: Elizabeth Gonzalez James, Alexander Sammartino
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:50 am - 11:50 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
We learn from the news that America is a violent country, but how do novelists reckon with that violence? In Elizabeth Gonzalez James’ Texas novel “The Bullet Swallower,” the legacy of two brothers and their botched bank robbery spans two centuries, and Alexander Sammartino’s “Last Acts” tells the story of a father and son and their Phoenix gun store. Moderated by John Williams.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Debut, Fiction, Literary Fiction
Event | lectures and symposia Harriet Tubman and Audre Lorde, Icons of Resistance: Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Tiya Miles
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:50 am - 11:50 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
Black women occupy a long intellectual tradition in America—one that’s in part about social justice and defiance of the world as it is. Harriet Tubman and Audre Lorde are two of its icons, people with idiosyncrasies and nuance. Alexis Pauline Gumbs (“Survival Is a Promise”) and Tiya Miles (“Night Flyer”) help us complicate portrayals of Lorde and Tubman. Moderated by Martha S. Jones.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Biography, Black and African American, History, Inspiring and Educational, LGBTQ+, Nonfiction, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia Life in Deep Space: Astrobiology with Nathalie A. Cabrol and Dante S. Lauretta
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:50 am - 11:50 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
What’s it like to peer deeply into space, to know so much about it and yet not know enough? Join astrobiologist Nathalie A. Cabrol, author of “The Secret Life of the Universe,” and Dante S. Lauretta, author of “The Asteroid Hunter” and leader of the OSIRIS-REx mission, as they discuss their work with moderator Kevin Butterfield.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Inspiring and Educational, Nature, Nonfiction, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Presumed Guilty: YA Thrillers with K.A. Cobell and Andrew Joseph White
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:50 am - 11:50 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
What can an outsider teen do against systemic oppression? Miles is carrying his family’s cycle of cruelty, and his attempts to break out are met with brutality in Andrew Joseph White’s “Compound Fracture.” In K.A. Cobell’s “Looking for Smoke,” Mara just moved to the Blackfeet Reservation, and now is suspected of a murder. How will they fight these injustices? Moderated by Austin Ferraro.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Debut, Fiction, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Native American, Neurodiversity, Social Justice, Thriller, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Shhh! Don't Tell Our Secret About the Couch! with Adam Rubin and Liniers Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 10:50 am - 11:20 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
Did you know that couches grow on couch farms? Or that some couches are aliens? Let us tell you the whole tru…oh no! Get away! The furniture police are after us! But if you want to meet at our secret place, we’ll tell you everything you need to know. Signed, Adam Rubin and Liniers (“The Truth About the Couch”). Moderated by Sasha Dowdy.
- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children
- Genre(s): Fiction, Fun and Funny, Picture Book

11:00 AM

Event | lectures and symposia Meet "Michael Recycle," the Sustainability Superhero
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Come see how “Michael Recycle,” the Sustainability Superhero, fights pollution with his amazing recycling skills! Learn creative ways to reduce waste and recycle everyday items. Get fired up to be a sustainability superhero and help protect our planet. Michael Recycle is played by Michael Neese, the recycling manager for Winchester, Virginia. Presented by the city of Winchester, Virginia, and Sustainability Matters.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Interactive Activities
- Genre(s): Nature, Science and Technology
Event | special events Steve Asbell and Stephanie Seales Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Steve Asbell signs "Flap Your Hands: A Celebration of Stimming" and Stephanie Seales signs "My Daddy Is a Cowboy" in book signing line 15.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational, Neurodiversity, Picture Book
Event | special events Tomi Adeyemi and Vanessa Le Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:00 am - 12:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Tomi Adeyemi signs "Children of Anguish and Anarchy" and Vanessa Le signs "The Last Bloodcarver" in book signing line 8.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Book Series, Debut, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia "Unstuck" by Barbara Dee
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
We all get stuck while writing, even when we know what we want to say. Author Barbara Dee reads excerpts from her National Book Festival-featured title “Unstuck,” in which she tells the relatable story of Lyla, a girl with a brain full of stories but challenges putting them down on paper.
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia What Do Stevie Wonder and Arnold Schoenberg Have in Common?
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:00 am - 11:30 am EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Celebrate the 100th birthday of the Library of Congress' historic concert series by learning about the artists, composers, dancers and supporters who made the Coolidge Auditorium one of the most important concert halls in the world, all while enriching the Library's collections.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction

11:30 AM

Event | lectures and symposia If It’s Not Science Fiction, What Does Science Have to Do with Books Anyway?
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Books build us up through the words on their pages, but what about the pages themselves? Learn about the Library of Congress’ Preservation Research and Testing Division's Mellon-funded project: Assessing the Physical Condition of the National Collection (ANC). This study analyzed 500 "identical" books from research libraries across various U.S. regions, spanning 1840-1940. Specialists will connect the surprising discoveries to real-world historical shifts.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Let's Talk About the Grown-Ups Who Care for Us, with Meg Medina
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
When we are kids, we’re sometimes lucky enough to have amazing caregivers. Over time, we have to separate, whether we’re moving on or just getting older. Celebrate the warm, caring people who add to the magic of our childhoods with Meg Medina, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, in her new book “No More Señora Mimí.” Moderated by Anya Creightney.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia "A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart" by Zetta Elliott
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
A Black boy explores his shifting emotions in this story about a community wounded after a police shooting. Author Zetta Elliott, whose featured book at this year’s National Book Festival is “The War of the Witches,” shifts gears from her fantasy novels to read aloud from her picture book “A Place Inside of Me: A Poem to Heal the Heart.”
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book, Poetry, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia STEM Adventures: Ernest Cline on "Bridge to Bat City"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:30 am - 12:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Join Ernest Cline (author of “Ready Player One”) to learn about his new children’s novel, “Bridge to Bat City.” This heartwarming story follows 13-year-old Opal, who moves to her uncle’s farm and befriends a group of orphaned, music-loving bats. Perfect for young nature enthusiasts and animal lovers!
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fiction, Middle Grade, Nature, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s" with Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:40 am - 12:25 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
Doris Kearns Goodwin’s latest book, “An Unfinished Love Story,” is about her marriage to Dick Goodwin, who seemed to be everywhere of any political importance during the 1960s: working for John F. Kennedy, for LBJ, and as a speechwriter for Robert Kennedy. Doris Kearns Goodwin remembers her love for Dick in the book. She will talk with moderator David M. Rubenstein.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | special events Adam Rubin and Liniers Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:45 am - 12:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Adam Rubin and Liniers sign "The Truth About the Couch" in book signing line 10.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children
- Genre(s): Fiction, Fun and Funny, Picture Book
Event | special events James McBride Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 11:45 am - 12:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
James McBride signs "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" in book signing line 2.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery

12:00 PM

Event | special events Laci Jordan National Book Festival Poster Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Laci Jordan signs the 2024 National Book Festival poster in signing line 6.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Inspiring and Educational
Event | lectures and symposia Sphero Rover Martian Maneuvers
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Discover how Sphero robots — programmable robotic balls — navigate courses, mazes and obstacles, just like Mars rovers. Learn to calculate velocity, speed and distance in this exciting Mars-themed activity. Perfect for young engineers and space enthusiasts! Presented by STEM for Her.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Children, For Teens, Interactive Activities
- Genre(s): Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia There's a Map for That!
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
The Library of Congress' Geography and Map Collection, with nearly 6 million cartographic items, is the world's largest and most comprehensive map library. Engage with specialists for advice on utilizing maps for research, learn to navigate the Library's collection online and observe a live demonstration.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational, Nature
Event | lectures and symposia "Tina Cocolina: The Queen of Cupcakes" by Pablo Cartaya
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
If you’re a fan of cupcakes, everything pink and delectable fashion, you’re in the right place! Enjoy this read-aloud from from Pablo Cartaya’s picture book “Tina Cocolina: Queen of the Cupcakes,” which has all that and more, including recipes! For more of Cartaya’s work, check out his National Book Festival-featured graphic novel, “Curveball.”
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Fiction, Food, Fun and Funny, Hispanic, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia American History Is Native History, with Ned Blackhawk and Kathleen DuVal
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:10 pm - 1:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
America didn’t begin in 1776. Ned Blackhawk (“The Rediscovery of America”) and Kathleen DuVal (“Native Nations”) address and rectify the erroneous history that casts Native American people as groups without innate sovereignty consistently on the periphery of American history. Moderated by Shelly C. Lowe.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): History, Native American, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia How Honest Can I Be?: Memoirs That Go There with Camonghne Felix and Safiya Sinclair
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:10 pm - 1:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
How much is too much to reveal in a memoir? In “How to Say Babylon,” Safiya Sinclair explores her father’s religious fundamentalism and its effect on her and in “Dyscalculia,” Camonghne Felix divulges a love gone bad. They are members of a long honorable line of literary truthtellers who bare their hearts on the page. Moderated by A’Lelia Bundles.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Family, Inspiring and Educational, LGBTQ+, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia How to Break a Love Curse: Graphic Novel Romance with Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:10 pm - 1:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
When your favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day, nothing in love can go wrong… right? Valentina (perfect name!) is looking for love, but her family’s curse of broken hearts cannot be shaken. Explore the complexities of families, love, friendship and lion dancing in the new graphic novel “Lunar New Year Love Story” by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham. Moderated by Dianne Choie.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Romance, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Investigating the Algorithm: Our Uneasy Ties to Tech with Joy Buolamwini and Kyle Chayka
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:10 pm - 1:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
Algorithms aren’t just the code that suggests your next impulse buy. Joy Buolamwini (“Unmasking AI”) and Kyle Chayka (“Filterworld”) unearth a more troubling world where computer code flattens our culture into fragmented worlds where discrimination is rampant, anxiety predominates and profit is king. But can the algorithm contribute to a better world? Moderated by Regina G. Barber.
- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Nonfiction, Science and Technology, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia The "Wild Robot" Series with Peter Brown
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:10 pm - 12:40 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
Animal life and artificial life create a found family in Peter Brown’s “Wild Robot” series. In the third book, “Wild Robot Protects,” Roz the robot prepares to protect her animal friends and family from an approaching environmental disaster. Join this conversation with Kit Ballenger to discuss how we can all be gentle with nature using the skills we already have.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Middle Grade, Nature, Science Fiction
Event | special events Alexis Pauline Gumbs and Tiya Miles Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Alexis Pauline Gumbs signs "Survival Is a Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde" and Tiya Miles signs "Night Flyer: Harriet Tubman and the Faith Dreams of a Free People" in book signing line 13.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Biography, Black and African American, History, Inspiring and Educational, LGBTQ+, Nonfiction, Social Justice
Event | special events Elizabeth Gonzalez James and Alexander Sammartino Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Elizabeth Gonzalez James signs "The Bullet Swallower" and Alexander Sammartino signs "Last Acts" in book signing line 14.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Debut, Fiction, Literary Fiction
Event | special events K.A. Cobell and Andrew Joseph White Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
K.A. Cobell signs "Looking for Smoke" and Andrew Joseph White signs "Compound Fracture" in book signing line 12.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Debut, Fiction, LGBTQ+, Mystery, Native American, Neurodiversity, Social Justice, Thriller, Young Adult
Event | special events Meg Medina Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Meg Medina signs "No More Señora Mimí" in book signing line 15.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Picture Book
Event | special events Nathalie A. Cabrol and Dante S. Lauretta Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Nathalie A. Cabrol signs "The Secret Life of the Universe: An Astrobiologist's Search for the Origins and Frontiers of Life" and Dante S. Lauretta signs "The Asteroid Hunter: A Scientist’s Journey to the Dawn of Our Solar System" in book signing line 11.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Inspiring and Educational, Nature, Nonfiction, Science and Technology

12:30 PM

Event | lectures and symposia "Flap Your Hands" by Steve Asbell
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, have you tried to stim? Author-illustrator Steve Asbell reads from his National Book Festival-featured picture book, “Flap Your Hands,” and describes the way repetitive movements can help regulate emotions and benefit all kinds of kids!
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Debut, Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Neurodiversity, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia Inside Access: How to Get YOUR Hands on History
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Discover how the Library of Congress' Duplication Services aids authors, architects, historians, students, publishers, businesses, law firms, genealogists and members of Congress. Uncover the history of this essential service and learn how you can bring home some of the Library's historical treasures — from patriotic posters and picket signs to monumental documents and classic comic books.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Democracy, Graphic Novel, History, Inspiring and Educational, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Spectacular Science Demonstrations!
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Two scientists will present live science demonstrations featuring solutions that change color, bubble and smoke! This show will be educational, entertaining and engaging for scientists of any age. Presented by the U.S. National Science Foundation.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): Science and Technology
Event | special events Doris Kearns Goodwin Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:45 pm - 1:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Doris Kearns Goodwin signs "An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s" in book signing line 4.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Writer and Actor Max Greenfield Gives "Good Night Thoughts"!
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:45 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
What do we do when our thoughts are racing? And they’re made worse by knowing it’s bedtime and we’ve got to get to sleep?! Right away! Beloved actor Max Greenfield has a few ideas. He talks about his brand-new picture book, “Good Night Thoughts,” at this event, in conversation with moderator Chasten Buttigieg.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children
- Genre(s): Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia Let's Unleash the Words Within Us with Barbara Dee, Susan Haas and Lexi Haas
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 12:50 pm - 1:20 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
Communication is everything, but what about when words don’t flow freely? Susan and Lexi Haas, a mother-daughter duo (“The Year of the Buttered Cat”), discuss Lexi’s journey in learning how to leap over the limits of her disability, and Barbara Dee joins in with her novel “Unstuck,” which follows a girl who struggles to unleash the stories inside her head. Moderated by Monica Valentine.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Debut, Family, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Middle Grade, Nonfiction

1:00 PM

Event | lectures and symposia Education, Equality and Progress: A Journey to Brown v. Board of Education
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Join librarians from the Law Library of Congress for an exploration of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. Discover Library of Congress resources offering invaluable insights into this watershed moment in civil rights history 70 years ago.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Democracy, History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia Inventing with Micro:bits: Coding Fundamentals
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Dive into the world of coding and invention using Micro:bits, tiny programmable computers. Learn the basics of coding and see how to create amazing projects. Perfect for young inventors and technology lovers!
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Children, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia "My Daddy Is a Cowboy" by Stephanie Seales
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
We can find models of kindness everywhere: people on TV, characters in books or people you live with! Author Stephanie Seales reads aloud from her picture book “My Daddy Is a Cowboy,” which is featured at this year’s National Book Festival.
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book
Event | special events Peter Brown Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Peter Brown signs "The Wild Robot Protects" in book signing line 9.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Middle Grade, Nature, Science Fiction

1:30 PM

Event | lectures and symposia "Angel of Vengeance" with Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
Step through a dimensional portal into 1880 New York City with Special Agent Pendergast and Constance Greene as they confront a dangerous serial killer in Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child’s 22nd Pendergast novel, “Angel of Vengeance.” New and dedicated readers alike will enjoy this deep dive into all things Pendergast, although we can’t promise no spoilers! Moderated by Mimi Montgomery.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
Event | lectures and symposia "Behind My Doors: The Story of the World's Oldest Library" by Hena Khan
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Fun fact: the oldest operating library, the al-Qarawiyyin Library, was founded in 859 by a Muslim woman! This picture book is told from the perspective of this library, read to you by author Hena Khan. Her National Book Festival-featured title this year is the graphic novel “We Are Big Time.”
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction, Picture Book
Event | special events Camonghne Felix and Safiya Sinclair Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Camonghne Felix signs "Dyscalculia: A Love Story of Epic Miscalculation" and Safiya Sinclair signs "How to Say Babylon: A Memoir" in book signing line 7.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Family, Inspiring and Educational, LGBTQ+, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Erik Larson on the Hubris of the Men in Power at the Dawn of the Civil War
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
The Civil War still fascinates us yet the full, human motivations that dragged us into war are a puzzle that remains incomplete. Join Erik Larson, author of “The Demon of Unrest,” who discusses the tragic miscalculations made by key men in power who ultimately led America to the brink. Moderated by David M. Rubenstein.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
Event | special events Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham sign "Lunar New Year Love Story" in book signing line 2.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Romance, Young Adult
Event | special events Joy Buolamwini and Kyle Chayka Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Joy Buolamwini signs "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines" and Kyle Chayka signs "Filterworld: How Algorithms Flattened Culture" in book signing line 5.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Nonfiction, Science and Technology, Social Justice
Event | special events Ned Blackhawk and Kathleen DuVal Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Ned Blackhawk signs "The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History" and Kathleen DuVal signs "Native Nations: A Millennium in North America" in book signing line 3.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): History, Native American, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Reading Under the Lines: Exposing Alexander Hamilton’s Redacted Letter to His "Betsey"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Discover historical secrets with the Library of Congress' Preservation Research and Testing Division as they unveil the original text of a heavily redacted letter by Alexander Hamilton to then-fiancée, Elizabeth Schuyler. Explore how advanced technology has revealed the redactions, thought to be made by their son, who wished to share his father's war correspondence but considered some personal family details too much for history.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Nonfiction, Romance, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia STEM Adventures: Monica Hesse on "The Brightwood Code"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Join author Monica Hesse as she explores the exciting STEM elements in her historical mystery “The Brightwood Code.” The novel follows Edda, a “Hello Girl” during World War I, who uses her skills as a switchboard operator to uncover secrets. Hesse will discuss topics such as the technology and methods used by these pioneering women. Perfect for young readers passionate about history and STEM!
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery, Science and Technology, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Time Travel Novels: What Could Possibly Go Wrong? with Edan Lepucki and Peng Shepherd
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
In fiction, we can glide through time, which is fun — and terrifying. In Edan Lepucki’s “Time’s Mouth,” a time traveler forms a cult for pregnant women in the woods of Northern California, and Peng Shepherd’s “All This and More” imagines a reality TV show in which contestants can alter their lives and memories. Moderated by S. Kirk Walsh.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Family, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction
Event | lectures and symposia What Happens When You Become Best Friends with a Bat Colony?! Ask Ernest Cline
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
It’s freakin’ bats! In this mostly-true story, Ernest Cline introduces us to Opal, a girl who befriends a colony of bats. When their habitat is destroyed, what will she do to help find a place where they will all be welcomed and protected? Learn all about “The Bridge to Bat City” in this conversation moderated by Jennifer "JJ" Harbster.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fiction, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia Who Dies First?: Horror with Terry J. Benton-Walker, Desiree S. Evans, Saraciea J. Fennell
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
We’ve all encountered the horror tropes: A bored rich kid. A virginal final girl. A token minority character inevitably dying first. Terry J. Benton Walker (“The White Guy Dies First”) and Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea Fennell (“The Black Girl Survives in This One”) discuss their anthologies that slash and dice through horror tropes with moderator B.A. Parker.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Anthology, Black and African American, Fantasy, Fiction, Hispanic, Horror, LGBTQ+, Young Adult
Event | special events Barbara Dee, Susan Haas and Lexi Haas Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Barbara Dee signs "Unstuck," and Susan Haas and Lexi Haas sign "The Year of the Buttered Cat: A Mostly True Story" in book signing line 10.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Debut, Family, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Middle Grade, Nonfiction
Event | special events Max Greenfield Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Max Greenfield signs "Good Night Thoughts" in book signing line 15.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children
- Genre(s): Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of "The House on Mango Street" with Sandra Cisneros
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 1:50 pm - 2:35 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
Join us as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of Sandra Cisneros’ “The House on Mango Street,” a novel that has become a modern classic and is taught in schools nationwide. Cisneros is in conversation at this event with NPR journalist Rachel Martin.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational, Literary Fiction, Young Adult

2:00 PM

Event | lectures and symposia National Treasures: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the New Library of Congress Exhibit
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
The new David M. Rubenstein Treasures Gallery in the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building is dedicated to sharing rare, unique and significant items from around the globe. Meet staff from the Library’s exhibits office to hear about the inaugural exhibition, "Collecting Memories," and items within it — from 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets to audio diaries from 2020 and more.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational
Event | lectures and symposia STEM Adventures: Candace Fleming on "The Enigma Girls"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Join author Candace Fleming as she explores the thrilling STEM adventures in her book "The Enigma Girls." Discover how 10 teenage girls at Bletchley Park used their skills to break enemy ciphers during World War II. Candace will be discussing topics such as code-breaking techniques and the technology used in this crucial effort. Perfect for young readers excited about history and STEM!
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): History, Nonfiction, Science and Technology, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia "The Truth About the Couch" by Adam Rubin and Liniers
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Oh good, you found our secret meeting place. This is where we FINALLY get to tell you our secret. Listen to picture book “The Truth About the Couch,” read to you by Adam Rubin and Liniers, and see if you can keep it close to the vest. Can’t have the furniture police figuring it out!

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- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Fiction, Fun and Funny, Picture Book
Event | lectures and symposia Questing for Peace in Fantasy Worlds with J.C. Cervantes and Zetta Elliott
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:10 pm - 2:40 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
Fantasy fans, this is for you! Battles of wits (and witches), vanishing magic, the strength of family ties, a search for peace, and the power that can be found within every kid: it’s all here, in J.C. Cervantes’ series-starter “Daggers of Ire” and Zetta Elliott’s “Dragons in a Bag” series finale “The War of the Witches.” Moderated by Ashleigh Rose.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Black and African American, Book Series, Dragons, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Hispanic, Middle Grade

2:30 PM

Event | lectures and symposia "Amulet" Series with Kazu Kibuishi
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
The "Amulet" series by Kazu Kibuishi, which first came out in 2008, concludes this year with the ninth book, "Waverider." How do we make a read-aloud out of a graphic novel series about brave kids in a world of monsters, robots and talking animals? Simple: we ask Kazu to do it for us, of course!
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Book Series, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia Code in Scratch
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Come learn how to use Code in Scratch, a fun coding platform for children, to create interactive stories. Discover how coding can bring your ideas to life in exciting and creative ways. Perfect for young storytellers and aspiring coders eager to explore the world of programming! Presented by Black Girls Code.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Children, For Teens, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia A Conversation with Laci Jordan: Inspiration Behind the National Book Festival Poster
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Discover the inspiration and creative process behind this year's National Book Festival poster in an exclusive interview with Laci Jordan. Learn more about her other vibrant work, which concentrates on color, marginalized people and everyday life. Laci has collaborated with renowned brands such as Disney, Google and Spotify.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Inspiring and Educational
Event | special events Erik Larson Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Erik Larson signs "The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War" in book signing line 9.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): History, Nonfiction
Event | special events Ernest Cline Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Ernest Cline signs "Bridge to Bat City" in book signing line 8.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children
- Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fiction, Middle Grade
Event | special events Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Desiree S. Evans and Saraciea J. Fennell sign "The Black Girl Survives in This One: Horror Stories" in book signing line 6.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Anthology, Black and African American, Fantasy, Fiction, Hispanic, Horror, Young Adult
Event | special events Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child sign "Angel of Vengeance" in book signing line 14.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Science Fiction, Thriller
Event | special events Edan Lepucki and Peng Shepherd Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Edan Lepucki signs "Time's Mouth" and Peng Shepherd signs "All This and More" in book signing line 12.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Family, Fiction, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Science Fiction
Event | special events Terry J. Benton-Walker Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:45 pm - 3:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Terry J. Benton-Walker signs "The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power" in book signing line 5.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Anthology, Black and African American, Fiction, Horror, LGBTQ+, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia A Conversation on the American Presidency with David M. Rubenstein
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:50 pm - 3:35 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
In David M. Rubenstein’s newest book, “The Highest Calling,” the author talks with living American presidents and revered historians about the American presidency. Drawing from his own experience in the Carter administration, he engages in dialogues with our nation's presidents and the historians who study them. Rubenstein is in conversation with historian Douglas Brinkley at this event.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Food, Family, Community: Annabelle Tometich and Crystal Wilkinson
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
The foods we love can be an entrée into who we are, according to these nonfiction books. Annabelle Tometich examines her Filipino mother in “The Mango Tree” and Crystal Wilkinson’s “Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts” collects the memories and recipes of her Black Appalachian forebears. Moderated by Anna Spiegel.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Debut, Family, Food, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Nonfiction, Poetry
Event | lectures and symposia Our Almost-True Stories with James Bird and Jonathan Todd
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:50 pm - 3:20 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
Have you been a fish out of water? Jonathan Todd has, as he tells in his graphic novel “Timid,” about a shy Black kid trying to make friends in a new school. James Bird has too, feeling unmoored because he often didn’t have a home, as he describes in “No Place Like Home.” Hear real stories told through fiction. Moderated by Shanetia P. Clark.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, Panels
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Native American
Event | lectures and symposia Poetry Unlocks Us: YA Novels in Verse with Safia Elhillo and Tony Keith Jr.
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
What can poetry unlock within yourself? Samira in Safia Elhillo’s “Bright Red Fruit” encounters a threat to her reputation, but her discovery of slam poetry helps her navigate identity, authenticity and community. In his YA memoir “How the Boogeyman Became a Poet,” Tony Keith Jr. explores the pitfalls and freedom of accepting his identity, his self-exploration made possible by poetry. Moderated by Untia Bigelow.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, LGBTQ+, Memoir, Middle Eastern or North African, Poetry, Social Justice, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Words at War: Misinformation Then and Now with Annalee Newitz and Peter Pomerantsev
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:50 pm - 3:50 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
We know that disinformation is dangerous but did you also know it’s a weapon of war? Annalee Newitz (“Stories Are Weapons”) and Peter Pomerantsev (“How to Win an Information War”) discuss the ways tools like psychological operations and coercive storytelling that were once deployed against foreign adversaries affect our current geopolitical climate and shape our present-day culture wars. Moderated by Roswell Encina.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Biography, Democracy, History, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Modern Dating: We Love It, We Hate It with Romance Novelists Abby Jimenez, Casey McQuiston
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 2:55 pm - 3:55 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
Relationship status: It’s definitely complicated. In Abby Jimenez’s rom-com “Just for the Summer,” Justin and Emma agree to date to break their curses, and in Casey McQuiston’s “The Pairing,” Theo and Kit need to use their expiring vacation voucher — four years after their breakup. There are no real feelings here, right? Moderated by Megan Labrise.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fiction, Fun and Funny, LGBTQ+, Romance

3:00 PM

Event | lectures and symposia Finding Female Ancestors: The (Almost) Lost Story of Maggie Thompson
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Maggie Thompson was born in Pennsylvania, prior to the Civil War. When a Library genealogist came upon her personal photo album, clues led to Library collections, the National Archives, local history and more — all coming together to reveal details about this female ancestor’s life. Her story is an example of what you might discover about past generations from your own family and community.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Biography, Family, History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Hear from Past Library of Congress Teen Interns Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, L Street Bridge (Level 2)
Stop by to listen to past Library of Congress teen interns talk about their work and experience at the Library!
- Stage: L Street Bridge
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational
Event | special events James S.A. Corey Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, aka James S.A. Corey, sign "The Mercy of Gods" in book signing line 13.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Book Series, Fiction, Science Fiction
Event | special events J.C. Cervantes and Zetta Elliott Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
J.C. Cervantes signs "The Daggers of Ire" and Zetta Elliott signs "The War of the Witches" in book signing line 7.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children
- Genre(s): Adventure, Black and African American, Book Series, Dragons, Family, Fantasy, Fiction, Hispanic, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia "Let's Talk Books!" Live with Meg Medina, Sam Winston and Oliver Jeffers Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
One of Meg Medina’s projects as the current National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature is an 18-segment video series called “Let’s Talk Books!” In each video, Meg hears from guest authors about their favorite books, their childhoods and career paths as authors. Check out this live “Let’s Talk Books!” with authors Sam Winston and Oliver Jeffers, who join us from the U.K.!
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Fun and Funny, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational
Event | special events Sandra Cisneros Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Sandra Cisneros signs "The House on Mango Street" in book signing line 4.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Inspiring and Educational, Literary Fiction, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Space Stories Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Engage with NASA scientists as they recount their adventures of curiosity and discovery, and their passion for reading, mathematics and science! Presented by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Interactive Activities
- Genre(s): Science and Technology

3:30 PM

Event | lectures and symposia First, Catch a Trout: Exploring 19th and 20th Century U.S. Community Cookbooks
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Fundraising cookbooks, affectionately referred to as community cookbooks, serve as a rich source beyond mere recipes. They capture a glimpse into culture, society and history. Join Library of Congress culinary specialist for a tour through the Library's collection of digitized U.S. community cookbooks from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Food, History, Inspiring and Educational, Science and Technology
Event | special events Hayley Dennings and Marie Lu Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Hayley Dennings signs "This Ravenous Fate" and Marie Lu signs "Icon and Inferno" in book signing line 11.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Book Series, Debut, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Romance, Thriller, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia A Kid vs. the World: Your Voice Has Power with Anna Lapera and Sherri Winston
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
Sharkita may be 12, but she takes care of her younger siblings, their mother often absent. Mani doesn’t want to go to Guatemala, until she starts discovering her family’s stories of activism for women’s rights. See how they find the voice and courage to speak up in Sherri Winston’s “Shark Teeth” and Anna Lapera’s “Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice.” Moderated by Ofelia Montelongo.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, Panels
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia "Plain Jane and the Mermaid" by Vera Brosgol Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
What is it about mermaids that’s so attractive? And mesmerizing? And hypnotic? And… scary? Hear author Vera Brosgol read excerpts and watch her draw moments from her National Book Festival-featured graphic novel, “Plain Jane and the Mermaid.” She will also read from her picture books “Leave Me Alone” and “Memory Jars.”
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, For Teens, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Readings by the 2024 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellows Event has been rescheduled
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, L Street Bridge (Level 2)
Join the 2024 Academy of American Poets Laureate Fellows as they share their poems. These individuals poets of literary merit and serve as poets laureate of states, counties and cities across the nation. Selected as fellows by the Academy, they will be leading public poetry programs in their respective communities through 2025.
- Stage: L Street Bridge
- Event Type(s): For Adults, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Poetry
Event | special events James Bird and Jonathan Todd Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 3:45 pm - 4:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
James Bird signs "No Place Like Home" and Jonathan Todd signs "Timid" in book signing line 10.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Native American

4:00 PM

Event | lectures and symposia Copyright: The Engine of Free Expression
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Copyright serves us all, incentivizing creation and enriching our culture. Learn how to engage with copyright when you write a story, create a work of art, compose or record music, or take a picture.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational
Event | special events David M. Rubenstein Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
David M. Rubenstein signs "The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency" in book signing line 12.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Illustrator Battle: Liniers vs. Steve Asbell
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Two easels. Two artists. A bunch of markers. No rules. Who will be the winner? You decide!
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Live Demonstrations
- Genre(s): Fun and Funny, Picture Book
Event | special events Rebecca Yarros Book Signing Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Rebecca Yarros signs "Iron Flame" in book signing line 2. (Please note: book signing preferences have been updated.)
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Dragons, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance
Event | lectures and symposia To Save the Night, Turn Off the Lights
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Discover why protecting our night skies is important. Enjoy fun facts about stars, constellations and how light pollution affects wildlife and our ecosystems. Get motivated to take action and preserve our beautiful night skies. Perfect for young stargazers and nature lovers! Presented by DarkSky NOVA and DarkSky Washington, D.C.
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Interactive Activities
- Genre(s): Nature, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia America's Largest and Least Understood Minority: Marie Arana on "LatinoLand"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:10 pm - 4:55 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
Journalist and writer Marie Arana has taken on a nearly impossible task in “LatinoLand”: write an overview of Latino America. Latino Americans make up nearly 20% of the American population but they are not a monolith or a single group. Join us as Arana talks about her work interviewing and depicting Latino Americans, in conversation with María Peña.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Hispanic, History, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Ancient Wisdom, New Translations: Emily Wilson’s “The Iliad” and M.A.R. Habib’s Qur’an
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:10 pm - 5:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
Despite advancements in tech and medicine, we keep confronting the same old problems — such as war and xenophobia — around the globe. What can the ancients teach us? Join M.A.R. Habib and Emily Wilson as they talk about how they approached translating old texts into English versions of “The Iliad” and the Qur’an, for readers to appreciate anew. Moderated by Clay Smith.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational, Poetry
Event | lectures and symposia Sports and Why We Love Them: Graphic Novels with Pablo Cartaya and Hena Khan
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:10 pm - 4:40 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
Team sports demand dedication and grit. Many face even more challenges: pressure from parents, lack of self-confidence or weak teamwork. The hijabi basketball team in Hena Khan’s “We Are Big Time” and Elena, the one girl on the baseball team in Pablo Cartaya’s “Curveball,” find how they can love the game and be excellent in and out of sports. Moderated by Neil Greenberg.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, Panels
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Graphic Novel, Hispanic, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia Who Needs Cultural Critics Anyway? (All of Us): Arash Azizi and Celeste Marcus
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:10 pm - 5:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
What do young cultural critics think about their role in the world, where people have been encouraged to think that critics aren't necessary? Arash Azizi, author of “What Iranians Want” and Celeste Marcus, the managing editor of Liberties Journal of Culture and Politics, discuss the pleasures and difficulties of being writers who explain — and criticize — the world with Robin Givhan.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Democracy, Middle Eastern or North African, Nonfiction, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia Young Coders and Codebreakers in Wartime with Candace Fleming and Monica Hesse
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:10 pm - 5:10 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
Candace Fleming tells the true story of Station X, a secret home to teen girls who worked on code-cracking Nazi missives during WWII in “Enigma Girls.” Monica Hesse’s historical fiction follows Edda, a WWI Hello Girl called back to duty in “The Brightwood Code.” Dive deep into the contributions of young women in the two world wars in a conversation moderated by Yukari Matsuyama.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, History, Mystery, Nonfiction, Science and Technology, Young Adult
Event | special events Anna Lapera and Sherri Winston Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Anna Lapera signs "Mani Semilla Finds Her Quetzal Voice" and Sherri Winston signs "Shark Teeth" in book signing line 14.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Historical Fiction, Middle Grade
Event | special events Annabelle Tometich and Crystal Wilkinson Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Annabelle Tometich signs "The Mango Tree: A Memoir of Fruit, Florida and Felony" and Crystal Wilkinson signs "Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts: Stories and Recipes from Five Generations of Black Country Cooks" in book signing line 8.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Debut, Family, Food, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Nonfiction, Poetry
Event | special events Annalee Newitz and Peter Pomerantsev Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Annalee Newitz signs "Stories Are Weapons: Psychological Warfare and the American Mind" and Peter Pomerantsev signs "How to Win an Information War: The Propagandist Who Outwitted Hitler" in book signing line 15.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Biography, Democracy, History, Memoir, Nonfiction
Event | special events Christopher Paolini Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Christopher Paolini signs "Murtagh" in book signing line 3.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Dragons, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Event | special events Forrest Gander and Ruben Quesada Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Forrest Gander and Ruben Quesada sign "Leaning Toward Light: Poems for Gardens & the Hands That Tend Them" in book signing line 6.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Anthology, Hispanic, Nature, Poetry
Event | special events Safia Elhillo and Tony Keith Jr. Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Safia Elhillo signs "Bright Red Fruit" and Tony Keith Jr. signs "How the Boogeyman Became a Poet" in book signing line 9.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Teens
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, LGBTQ+, Memoir, Middle Eastern or North African, Poetry, Social Justice, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling on "A Confident Cook"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
In “A Confident Cook,” journalist, novelist and talk show host Tamron Hall and her co-author Lish Steiling invite beginners and those who are curious about cooking into the kitchen. Baked French toast with sparkling berries, crispy fried chicken and chai-spiced pudding are a few of the recipes they teach in the book. They appear in conversation with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Food, Inspiring and Educational, LGBTQ+, Nonfiction
Event | special events Tess Taylor Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:15 pm - 5:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Tess Taylor signs "Leaning Toward Light: Poems for Gardens & the Hands That Tend Them" in book signing line 5.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Anthology, Nature, Poetry

4:30 PM

Event | lectures and symposia "The Books of Clash" by Gene Luen Yang
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
The town of JazzyPickles is in danger! Who will come to its aid? Surely not the no-good warrior Hog Rider and his companions? Find out by joining author Gene Luen Yang as he reads from his adventure graphic novel series "The Books of Clash"! For more of his work at the National Book Festival, check out “Lunar New Year Love Story.”
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Book Series, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia Chronicling America: Your Guide to Discovering Digitized Historic Newspapers
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Dive into the past with our captivating session on exploring digitized historic newspapers via Chronicling America! Perfect for educators, students, genealogists and local history enthusiasts, this workshop will reveal the hidden gems within old headlines. Learn expert tips on how to search and uncover fascinating stories, discover invaluable research guides and embark on a historical adventure that will inspire and inform your future explorations.
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia STEM Adventures: Susan and Lexi Haas on "The Year of the Buttered Cat"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Join authors Susan and Lexi Haas as they explore the fascinating STEM themes in "The Year of the Buttered Cat.” This compelling story, based on Lexi’s real-life journey, follows her as a superhero-obsessed teen dealing with cerebral palsy. Discover how Lexi uses innovative technology and scientific concepts to navigate her unique experiences. Perfect for young readers intrigued by personal stories and STEM adventures!
- Stage: STEM District
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Debut, Family, Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational, Memoir, Middle Grade, Nonfiction, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia I Built This World, Come Visit! with Graphic Novelists Vera Brosgol and Kazu Kibuishi
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 4:50 pm - 5:20 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
Fantasy must-haves: great characters, expansive worlds, immersive moods. Graphic novels can get us there very effectively. But the main question is: will the story be a standalone or a series? Hear from Vera Brosgol (“Plane Jane and the Mermaid”) and Kazu Kibuishi (“Waverider,” finale of the “Amulet” series) on constructing fantastical worlds in stories told as graphic novels. Moderated by Megan Halsband.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Children, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Book Series, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Young Adult

5:00 PM

Event | special events Abby Jimenez and Casey McQuiston Book Signing Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Abby Jimenez signs "Just for the Summer" and Casey McQuiston signs "The Pairing" in book signing line 4. (Please note: Casey McQuiston's book signing preferences have been updated.)
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fiction, Fun and Funny, LGBTQ+, Romance
Event | lectures and symposia "Outside, Inside" by LeUyen Pham
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Do you remember when we all stayed inside in 2020? How it was quieter and wilder at the same time? Revisit the way we learned and grew during the COVID-19 pandemic with author-illustrator LeUyen Pham as she reads from her picture book “Outside, Inside.” For more of her work at the National Book Festival, check out “Lunar New Year Love Story.”
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Family, Fiction, Inspiring and Educational, Picture Book
Event | special events Pablo Cartaya and Hena Khan Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Pablo Cartaya signs "Curveball" and Hena Khan signs "We Are Big Time" in book signing line 10.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Fiction, Fun and Funny, Graphic Novel, Hispanic, Middle Grade
Event | lectures and symposia Volunteer Close-Up with History: Explore, Transcribe and Learn
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:00 pm - 5:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
By the People invites the public to help transcribe digitized Library of Congress collections online at crowd.loc.gov. Since 2018, virtual volunteers have completed over 800,000 transcriptions. These improve search, accessibility and discovery for the papers of Theodore Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Walt Whitman and more. Learn how transcribers impact research at the Library of Congress — and how you can get involved!
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Library Expert Presentations
- Genre(s): History, Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction, Science and Technology
Event | special events Ayana Mathis and Viet Thanh Nguyen Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Ayana Mathis signs "The Unsettled" and Viet Thanh Nguyen signs "A Man of Two Faces: A Memoir, A History, A Memorial" in book signing line 14.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Biography, Black and African American, Fiction, History, Inspiring and Educational, Social Justice
Event | special events Carlos Lozada and Jeffrey Rosen Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Carlos Lozada signs "The Washington Book: How to Read Politics and Politicians" and Jeffrey Rosen signs "The Pursuit of Happiness: How Classical Writers on Virtue Inspired the Lives of the Founders and Defined America" in book signing line 7.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Nonfiction
Event | special events Marie Arana Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Marie Arana signs "LatinoLand: A Portrait of America's Largest and Least Understood Minority" in book signing line 12.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Hispanic, History, Nonfiction

5:30 PM

Event | special events Arash Azizi and Celeste Marcus Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Arash Azizi signs "What Iranians Want: Women, Life, Freedom" and Celeste Marcus signs Liberties Journal of Culture and Politics in book signing line 6.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, Middle Eastern or North African, Nonfiction, Social Justice
Event | special events Candace Fleming and Monica Hesse Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Candace Fleming signs "The Enigma Girls: How Ten Teenagers Broke Ciphers, Kept Secrets and Helped Win World War II" and Monica Hesse signs "The Brightwood Code" in book signing line 9.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction, History, Mystery, Nonfiction, Science and Technology, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Library of Congress Friends’ Choice Civics Video Game Challenge Awards
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Join us for a special announcement of the Library of Congress Friends’ Choice Civics Video Game Challenge Award winners. Help us honor the awardees and learn about the video games they created, which are now available to the public to play. The games are intended to help improve public knowledge about the rights and responsibilities of American citizens and showcase relevant Library of Congress…
- Stage: Library of Congress Pavilion
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational
Event | concerts and performances Literature to Life: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 209 (Level 2, South Building)
The literary nonprofit Literature to Life performs great books that inspire readers to reflect on their lives, performances that inspire change and build community. They have performed at the Festival since 2022. This year, we are thrilled they are bringing Erika L. Sánchez’s revered novel “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter” to life.

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- Stage: Room 209
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Children, For Teens, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Family, Fiction, Hispanic, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Love Is a Battlefield: Enemies to Lovers in YA Fiction with Hayley Dennings and Marie Lu
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
Are you excited by mystery thrillers or romances? If you answered “obviously both,” don’t miss this conversation with Hayley Dennings (“This Ravenous Fate”) and Marie Lu (“Icon and Inferno”). In each novel, the stories sizzle with romance and adrenaline: the pages light up with assassination attempts, old flames, new (sapphic) relationships, reaper vampires and more. Moderated by Ashley Dickerson. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Teens, Panels
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Black and African American, Book Series, Debut, Fantasy, Fiction, Historical Fiction, LGBTQ+, Romance, Thriller, Young Adult
Event | special events M.A.R. Habib and Emily Wilson Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
M.A.R. Habib signs "The Qur'an: A Verse Translation" and Emily Wilson signs "The Iliad" in book signing line 13.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational, Poetry
Event | lectures and symposia Max Boot Talks About His New Biography of Ronald Reagan
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
Washington Post columnist and biographer Max Boot’s project for the past decade has been an effort to understand the contradictions of Ronald Reagan’s personality and life. “Reagan: His Life and Legend” is the result, a biography that draws on many new interviews with those who knew Reagan and on thousands of recently released documents. Boot appears in conversation with David M. Rubenstein.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Biography, Democracy, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Music Is Medicine: Renée Fleming and Daniel J. Levitin on the Arts and Wellness
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
Research shows that music does more than enliven our inner worlds. Music is also an effective tool in combating ailments from neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s to cognitive injury, depression and pain. Editor and opera legend Renée Fleming (“Music and Mind”) and neuroscientist Daniel J. Levitin (“I Heard There Was a Secret Chord”) discuss music as a potent therapy. Moderated by Michael Andor Brodeur.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia On Writing and "How the Boogeyman Became a Poet" with Tony Keith Jr.
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:00 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
This one is for all you writers, creators, poets, philosophers and storytellers. We invite teens and kids to author Tony Keith Jr.’s reading from his National Book Festival-featured memoir in verse, “How the Boogeyman Became a Poet,” and to join a discussion about how writing helps us discover our innermost selves.
- Stage: Story District
- Event Type(s): For Children, For Teens, Story Readings
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Debut, Hispanic, LGBTQ+, Memoir, Social Justice, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Talking When We Don't Agree: "The Art of Diplomacy" with Stuart E. Eizenstat
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:15 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
Former diplomat and negotiator Stuart E. Eizenstat takes readers inside the greatest diplomatic negotiations of the past 50 years in “The Art of Diplomacy.” Eizenstat covers every major contemporary international agreement, from the treaty to end the Vietnam War to the Kyoto Protocols and the Iranian Nuclear Accord. He appears in conversation with historian Douglas Brinkley at this event.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Nonfiction
Event | special events Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Tamron Hall and Lish Steiling sign "A Confident Cook: Recipes for Joyous, No-Pressure Fun in the Kitchen" in book signing line 15.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Black and African American, Food, Inspiring and Educational, LGBTQ+, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia After "The Expanse": James S.A. Corey on Their New Series Debut, "The Mercy of Gods"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:35 pm - 6:35 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
When humanity is overrun by an invading alien species, what will be required to survive? “The Mercy of Gods” launches a new sci-fi series by James S.A. Corey, the pen name for the creators of “The Expanse.” Placed in competition with other captive species, humans must remember who the real enemy is. Moderated by Cyndee Landrum. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Book Series, Fiction, Science Fiction
Event | special events Vera Brosgol and Kazu Kibuishi Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 5:45 pm - 6:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Vera Brosgol signs "Plain Jane and the Mermaid" and Kazu Kibuishi signs "Waverider" in book signing line 8.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Children, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Asian and Pacific Islander, Book Series, Fantasy, Fiction, Graphic Novel, Middle Grade, Young Adult

6:00 PM

Event | special events "Who Knew?": Trivia Happy Hour at the National Book Festival
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, L Street Bridge (Level 2)
Conclude your day at the festival with a one-of-a kind pop-up trivia event. Test your literary knowledge on topics ranging from classic literature to contemporary authors to rare books, all inspired by Library of Congress collections and programs. Discover how the Library helps preserve and promote the literary heritage of our nation and the world. Happy hour food and drinks available for purchase.
- Stage: L Street Bridge
- Event Type(s): For Adults, For Teens, Interactive Activities, Special Programs
- Genre(s): Fun and Funny, Inspiring and Educational

6:30 PM

Event | special events Max Boot Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Max Boot signs "Reagan: His Life and Legend" in book signing line 10.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Biography, Democracy, Nonfiction
Event | special events Stuart E. Eizenstat Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Stuart E. Eizenstat signs "The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreements That Changed the World" in book signing line 5.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Nonfiction
Event | special events Renée Fleming and Daniel J. Levitin Book Signing
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:45 pm - 7:45 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Hall DE (Level 2, North Building)
Renée Fleming signs "Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness" and Daniel J. Levitin signs "I Heard There Was a Secret Chord: Music as Medicine" in book signing line 11.
- Stage: Book Signing
- Event Type(s): Book Signings, For Adults
- Genre(s): Inspiring and Educational, Nonfiction, Science and Technology
Event | lectures and symposia Celebrating James Baldwin's Centennial, with Ayana Mathis and Viet Thanh Nguyen
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:50 pm - 7:50 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, West Salon GHI (Street Level, South Building)
James Baldwin, born in 1924, wrote some of the most impactful books of the 20th Century — including “Another Country,” “Giovanni’s Room” and “Notes of a Native Son.” Join Ayana Mathis (“The Unsettled”) and Viet Thanh Nguyen (“A Man of Two Faces”) as they discuss the influence of Baldwin’s work on writers of all stripes. Moderated by Eric Deggans. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: West Salon GHI
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Asian and Pacific Islander, Biography, Black and African American, Fiction, History, Inspiring and Educational, Social Justice
Event | lectures and symposia Christopher Paolini Talks About "Inheritance" Sequel, "Murtagh"
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:50 pm - 7:35 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 202 (Level 2, South Building)
Return to Alagaësia or discover it for the first time with Christopher Paolini’s “Murtagh,” which begins a year after the events of “Inheritance.” Eragon’s half-brother, dragon rider Murtagh, and his dragon, Thorn, must investigate sinister signs of a threat to the world, while navigating a society that condemns them as traitors. Introduced by Kahîn Mohammad. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: Room 202
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, For Teens
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Dragons, Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Event | lectures and symposia Poems of the Earth: Tess Taylor, Forrest Gander and Ruben Quesada Event has been updated
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:50 pm - 7:50 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Room 204 (Level 2, South Building)
“Leaning Toward Light,” edited by Tess Taylor, is an anthology featuring today’s most notable nature poets, some of whom are joining us at the Festival. Tess Taylor, Forrest Gander and Ruben Quesada discuss poetry that takes stock of the natural world and contributes to it. Moderated by Rob Casper. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: Room 204
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Anthology, Hispanic, Nature, Poetry
Event | lectures and symposia Words Matter: Politicians on the Page with Jeffrey Rosen and Carlos Lozada
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:50 pm - 7:50 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, East Salon ABC (Street Level, South Building)
What our leaders wrote and read may be more revealing than they know, according to these new nonfiction books. Carlos Lozada’s “The Washington Book” makes a case for the oft-derided modern political memoir, and Jeffrey Rosen’s “The Pursuit of Happiness” examines how classical philosophy influenced the founders and shaped the nation’s values. Moderated by Marianna Sotomayor. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: East Salon ABC
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults, Panels
- Genre(s): Democracy, History, Nonfiction
Event | lectures and symposia Rebecca Yarros Discusses Her Bestselling Romantasy Novels
- Saturday, August 24, 2024 6:55 pm - 7:40 pm EDT
- Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Ballroom ABC (Level 3, South Building)
If you thought the first year of training as a dragon rider at Basgiath War College was tough, get ready for the second year. In Rebecca Yarros’ “Iron Flame,” Violet Sorrengail navigates classes, politics, romance and the lies that have shaped her society for centuries. Moderated by Emily Kwong. Note: Book signing before event.

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- Stage: Main Stage
- Event Type(s): Author Presentations, For Adults
- Genre(s): Adventure, Book Series, Dragons, Fantasy, Fiction, Romance

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