Application for National Book Festival Districts Exhibition
About the Districts
The Library of Congress continues to broaden the scope of learning and literacy opportunities at the National Book Festival (“festival”), by adding to and expanding the possibilities beyond traditional author presentations. We have created two different Districts which provide families and young festivalgoers with interactive activities, fun presentations, and opportunities for informal engagement with the festival.
Each District features scheduled programming and provides space for pertinent organizations to exhibit at no cost. This allows the organizations to contribute to the festival’s activities and establish significant connections with attendees. Through these interactions, attendees will have the chance to learn about the missions and efforts of these organizations, thus enhancing community engagement and awareness.
Story District
Launched in 2023, the Story District aims to cultivate a passion for reading among children and young adults. In this space, the Library hosts book readings by festival authors, offering more freedom for innovative interactions with the audience. Additionally, exhibit space is provided for organizations to offer activities that enhance literacy, writing and storytelling skills.
STEM District
Started in 2024, the STEM District aims to foster a passion for science, technology, engineering and mathematics, integrating these disciplines with literary activities, literature and the arts. In this space, the Library hosts presentations by festival authors and subject matter experts focused on STEM topics. Additionally, exhibit space is provided for organizations to offer hands-on activities, experiments, exhibits and instructive presentations that promote STEM engagement, cultivating a broader respect for learning and discovery.
Benefits to Participating Organizations
- No fee for exhibiting.
- Opportunity to engage with thousands of attendees from Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and beyond.
- Space in Hall D alongside exhibiting sponsors and other family-friendly activities.
- Names of participating organizations will be featured on the festival website, communications and signage where possible.
- Each organization receives a 10-foot space with space-defining pipe and drape, one 6-foot table, two chairs, one trash can, one solid-colored tablecloth and limited drayage.
- Volunteer support, if requested.
- Opportunity to request additional furniture, subject to review.
Before starting the application:
- Examine the Guidelines for Applying and preview the application questions.
- Design and describe an interactive activity that would comply with Participating Organization Responsibilities (as seen in Guidelines for Applying). STEM District applicants are required to submit a proposal to conduct a 20-30-minute presentation/demonstration on the STEM District Stage. Story District applicants are not required to but have the option of submitting a proposal to conduct a 5- to 10-minute or a 20- to 30-minute presentation/demonstration on the Story District Stage. If required, present this presentation opportunity to your organization’s board of directors or other governing body and secure approval to move forward in this process.
- Prepare background info about your organization, including mission statement.
- Select your organization’s lead point of contact for the application process and all subsequent communication with the Library regarding your exhibition.
- Read over the Frequently Asked Questions.
- Be prepared to provide proof of nonprofit status/tax exemption status.
- Take inventory of giveaways, signage and other visual assets you may want to bring if selected as exhibitor.
For the 2026 National Book Festival, six organizations will be selected for each of the two districts, for a total of 12 featured organizations. The application is open until March 30th.