Books, algorithms, civics and dragons. Oh my!
The National Book Festival, hosted by the Library of Congress, is one of my favorite days of the year. August 24th marked the festival’s 24th anniversary!
It’s been held on the mall, it’s been held at the convention center, it’s been virtual, and it’s been hybrid.
Question my devotion? Here’s some evidence.
This year, as a Friend of the Library of Congress, I had a bibliophile pass for the festival…which means I was guaranteed easy access and great seats to my favorite authors. Just when I thought the experience couldn’t get better!
Each time I attend, my jaw drops learning more about how libraries serve the community.
I love libraries and use their services so much that I think I am familiar with what they do. Ha!
The day prior to the festival, Friends were treated to learning (for me, for the first time) about the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. If you know anyone who is blind or losing vision, please share this link. The services offered by this group are spectacular, and I am so grateful to know more about them!
And the festival itself!
I met:
- a lovely librarian named Marian (she introduced herself: “I’m Marian the librarian”)
- a woman from Phoenix who attends the NBF — and several other book conferences — each year
- first-timers, too-many-times-to-count timers
- parents pushing babies in strollers
- adults helping parents in wheelchairs
- someone planning to start a book club focuses on NBF selections
- a friend of a friend, participating for the first time, who was overjoyed to talk to someone who loved talking about books and reading
- a family considering planning vacations around visiting book conferences in each state
and so many more!
The organization of the event was spectacular. Library staff and volunteers were everywhere, most of whom were holding “ASK ME” signs.
Wandering around the convention, I “bumped” into authors, saw kids meeting with their literary heroes, intricate STEM projects, trivia games, and even saw a spot for people to relax and recharge.
My biggest “complaint”: It was so hard to choose among the spectacular program offerings.
Here’s a brief interview that The Book Report Network conducted with me about this year’s festival.
The Book Report Network: Who did you attend the festival with?
Denise Neary: I attended with my husband and some friends — some local and some coming to town just for the festival. I ran into a former co-worker and her family. And I had some friends join sessions virtually!
TBRN: Was there one particular author, or maybe two or three, you most looked forward to seeing? If so, what was that experience like?
DN: James McBride was the speaker I most wanted to see. And I loved him even more than I thought I would. He is such a combination of brilliant, empathetic, funny and wise that I could have listened to him all day.
In the long list of wonderful things he said: “Fiction allows your dreams to come true.”
TBRN: What panels did you attend?
DN: I saw James Patterson, James McBride, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Rubenstein, Emily Wilson and M.A.R. Habib, Stuart Eizenstat and Rebecca Yarros.
TBRN: Which was your favorite?
DN: James McBride and Doris Kearns Goodwin were two standouts. Doris was able to quote verbatim from her husband, LBJ and Abraham Lincoln. She made me cry several times during her presentation, yet she got through it without a tear.
TBRN: Were there any authors who surprised you or shared something unexpected?
DN: A friend traveled from NJ to see Rebecca Yarros. I didn’t know her and had to see her. She could do stand-up; she reminded me a little of Amy Schumer. She was so generous to her adoring — some a little starstruck — questioners. Her audience was vibrating with happiness and positive energy.
It was the first time that the festival featured a romance/fantasy writer on the main stage. Based on the reaction to this author (who closed out the conference), it won’t be the last!
TBRN: Were there other panels that you wish you could have attended?
DN: SO MANY!!! There were some that I knew I would have to miss because of scheduling conflicts. And then I heard other participants describe how spectacular different people were, which gave me such book envy!
I only attended panels with “adult” authors and missed seeing the spectacular children’s authors. I heard rave reviews of some of the questions children asked.
TBRN: Which books did you most look forward to reading after the festival?
DN: I need to read some Rebecca Yarros! And I want to read the James McBride books I’ve missed.
TBRN: Did you discover books that you would like to share with your book group for possible discussion?
DN: Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book, AN UNFINISHED LOVE STORY.
TBRN: Any additional thoughts?
DN: The moderators of the discussions were superstars, not just the authors. To the person, the moderators cast a shining light on the authors.
Another has a retirement dream of visiting a book festival in every state. (I LOVE that idea, too.)
The 2025 National Book Festival is being planned. Join the Library of Congress in DC on September 6th for the festival’s 25th anniversary. Hope to see you there!
