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Notice
JULY 3 AND 4 HOLIDAY NOTICE: The Thomas Jefferson Building will be open to visitors with timed-entry tickets on Friday July 3rd, and Saturday July 4, from 10:00am – 5:00pm. The Main Reading Room and The Source will be open to the public from 10:00am – 5:00pm. All other reading rooms are closed in observance of the federal holiday, and there will be no research availability or reader registration on both days.

Program Poetry & Literature

About This Program

Ann Patchett

Ann Patchett Awarded the 2026 Prize for American Fiction

Learn more about Patchett.

Mac Barnett

Consider the Picture Book

Meet Mac Barnett, 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, and explore his new initiative celebrating the lasting value and deep literary legacy of the picture book.

Arthur Sze

Arthur Sze is named the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate

Learn more about the laureate

Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature

Listen to historic recordings by Audre Lorde, Kurt Vonnegut, Adrienne Rich, Robert Hayden, and many more.

The Library of Congress promotes poetry and literature year-round through our online and in-person programs, our honors and prizes, and our ambassadors.

Start Your Literary Journey

Watch Take a front row seat at events with literary luminaries—no matter where you live.
Listen Tune in and discover the literary voices that speak directly to you.
Explore Join our poets laureate as they engage communities across the country.