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National Book Festival

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Celebrate the Book with Two Days of Writers, Poets & Pavilions

Come to the 12th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are honorary chairs for the event. The festival is free and open to the public. Festival poster by Rafael López.

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This year's festival will feature authors, poets and illustrators in several pavilions, including two Sunday-only pavilions: Science Fiction, Fantasy & Graphic Novels and Special Programs. Festival-goers can meet and hear firsthand from their favorite poets and authors, get books signed, hear special entertainment, have photos taken with storybook characters and participate in a variety of activities.

List of authors, poets, and illustrators attending the 2012 festival

Stay Connected with the Festival

With two busy days of activities and dozens of authors, the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever. Keep up with the latest news and get a head start on planning your visit. Subscribe to our email or RSS feeds, or follow us on Twitter at @LibraryCongress.

Scouts! Earn the New Book Festival Badge

National Book Festival Patch

The new Library of Congress National Book Festival patch is debuting this fall just in time for the 12th annual festival. Consider a trip for your troop to hear from popular authors, get books signed and take part in the activities. And for non-scouts, it’s a fun souvenir of your visit to the 2012 Library of Congress National Book Festival.

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Books That Shaped America

Look over our list. Do you agree? Disagree? What books shaped you?

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Press Room

Media registration for author interview requests & press room featuring video, audio, photos & bios.

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National Book Festival 2012 Press Release National Book Festival Site