Despite afternoon rains, more than 130,000 book lovers flocked to the ninth annual National Book Festival held September 26 on the National Mall. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama acted as honorary chairs of the free festival, which was sponsored by the Library of Congress. For many families, the most popular tent was the Pavilion of the States, supported for the eighth year by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).
The Pavilion of the States promotes reading and literacy projects as well as the literary traditions of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Representatives from state libraries and Centers for the Book provided information and answered questions about their state's authors, libraries, book festivals, book awards, and reading-promotion activities. In the pavilion, thousands of children raced to each state table getting state stamps on their maps of America. IMLS awarded a prize to each person who successfully filled the entire map.
"We were pleased to be part of this fun and interactive event that spotlights reading and literacy. It is always a pleasure to visit with state librarians and other state representatives at the Pavilion of the States. We especially love seeing the children and their families excited about reading," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS.
Hundreds of visitors stopped by the South Carolina exhibit table to learn more about South Carolina's rich literary heritage and get complimentary literary maps, Sandlapper magazines, and bookmarks promoting the state's annual Book Festival. An additional bonus was having Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter at the booth for 30 minutes to promote her new book, traveling with Pomegranates.
For those who were unable to attend the festival, authors' presentations are available as podcasts at www.loc.gov/podcasts.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
For more information about the National Book Festival, visit www.loc.gov/bookfest and for more information about the State Library's Center for the Book, visit www.sccenterforthebook.org.
