M.T. Anderson and young fans at the National Book Festival

Starting in 1984, the Center for the Book in the Library began to establish affiliate centers in the 50 states. Today, there is a State Center for the Book in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These Center for the Book affiliates carry out the national Center's mission in their local areas, sponsor programs that highlight their area's literary heritage and call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy and libraries. Affiliates must submit an application to become part of -- and retain -- their Center for the Book status, which is renewable for a three-year period. The Center for the Book has established Guidelines for establishing affiliates and for programming activities. The State Centers gather annually at the Library of Congress for an Idea Exchange Day.

Publications Sponsored by the Center

Past and current publications sponsored by the Center for the Book are supported by tax-deductible contributions from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Get the publication list

Related Sites on LOC.gov

Center for the Book Information

Events

Author discussions, symposia and other events are an important part of the programming of the Center for the Book. The long-running Books & Beyond author series has attracted writers from across the country to discuss their books and the writing life, and to talk about how they have used the resources of the Library of Congress in their work.

See all events

Letters About Literature

Applications for the 2010 Letters About Literature Contest are now available.
Get official contests entry forms