February 7, 2008 2008 National Book Festival To Be Held Sept. 27
Press Contact: Jennifer Gavin (202) 707-1940
Public Contact: Roberta Stevens (202) 707-1550
The 2008 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2008, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 3rd and 7th streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (rain or shine). The event is free and open to the public. "We are pleased to present the Library’s book festival for the eighth year,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "Last year, more than 120,000 people joined us on the Mall to celebrate books and reading. No matter your age, no matter your interests – you’ll find books and authors to fascinate you.” The 2008 National Book Festival will feature more than 70 award-winning authors, poets and illustrators in the following pavilions: History & Biography, Children, Teens & Children, Fiction & Fantasy, Mysteries & Thrillers, Home & Family, and Poetry. The Pavilion of the States will represent reading and library promotion programs and literary events in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. trusts and territories. The popular Let’s Read America pavilion will offer reading activities that are fun for the whole family. The Library of Congress Pavilion will showcase the cultural treasures to be found in the Library’s vast online collections and offer information about popular Library programs. Authors at the festival will sign copies of their works for festival-goers, and children can meet beloved storybook and television characters, who will be on the festival grounds throughout the day. The 2008 National Book Festival will be made possible through the generous support of the private sector, led by Distinguished Benefactor Target. For more information about the National Book Festival, call toll-free (888) 714-4696 or visit the festival’s Web site at www.loc.gov/bookfest/.
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PR 08-028
2008-02-08
ISSN 0731-3527