July 19, 2001 First Lady and Librarian of Congress to Unveil Plans for National Book Festival

First Lady Laura Bush and Librarian of Congress James H. Billington will announce plans for the first National Book Festival on Monday, July 30, 2001, at 9:30 a.m. on the Neptune Plaza of the Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building, 10 First St., SE. (Rain location: Great Hall).

The Festival will take place at the Library of Congress on Saturday, September 8, with readings, music, performances, and book-signings for children and adults by a wide selection of noted authors and artists from across the country. First Lady Laura Bush will host the event, which is sponsored by the Library of Congress and inspired by the highly successful Texas Book Festival founded by Mrs. Bush.

Recognizing the key role that reading and libraries play in the lives of both young people and adults, the First Lady and the Librarian of Congress hope the National Book Festival will encourage all Americans to take advantage of the remarkable resources for lifetime learning available in our nation's libraries.

Program details, including the names of authors who plan to participate, will be announced at the July 30 press conference. All media wishing to attend the press conference, should call (202) 828-8869. Pre-set will be at 8 a.m. on the Neptune Plaza, just outside the Jefferson Building.