National Book Festival

American National Book Festival,

The National Book Festival is an American event organized by the Library of Congress annually in Washington, D.C. Held in early autumn, the festival attracts tens of thousands of people each year (in 2009, over 130,000 were in attendance). Over fifty nationally published authors, illustrators, and poets are invited for lectures, readings, interviews, and book signings. The Festival also features various child-oriented attractions. First Lady Laura Bush hosted the festival when it was established in 2001 and continued through 2008. Previously, as First Lady of Texas, Laura Bush helped establish the Texas Book Festival.

In the past, authors appearing at the festival have included Sandra Brown, Christopher Buckley, Sharon Creech, Clive Cussler, Sue Grafton, John Irving, Tim O'Brien, Salman Rushdie, Bob Schieffer, R.L. Stine, and Tom Wolfe. In addition, librarians from libraries across the country are invited every year to represent each state. The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Endowment for the Humanities and commercial sponsors such as Target and AT&T help provide funding for the event, with IMLS supporting the "Pavilion of the States".

(source:wikipedia)