2002 National Book Festival

For the second year Laura Bush, with the Library of Congress, is hosting the National Book Festival, which will be held Saturday, October 12, 2002, on the West Lawn of the U. S. Capitol and the National Mall. The event is free of charge.

Although America was changed forever after the first National Book Festival September 8, 2001, Americans' desire to read and encourage their children to read remains strong. This year's festival is an opportunity to reaffirm America's love of reading and to share that enthusiasm with the next generation.

Building on the success of last year's inaugural festival, this year's event will feature more than 70 award-winning authors, illustrators and storytellers from across the country. Book lovers of all ages will be treated to events including author readings and book signings, appearances by children's storybook characters and musical performances.

Laura Bush and the Library of Congress hope this year's National Book Festival will once again encourage Americans to take advantage of the remarkable resources for lifetime learning available in our nation's libraries, which play an important role in the lives of young people and adults.

Background
As a librarian and book enthusiast, Laura Bush has brought her love of books and reading to Washington and the nation through the National Book Festival. Engaging Americans, particularly children, in reading as a lifelong activity is a key aspect of this effort. Mrs. Bush's interest in literary works was sparked at an early age when her mother introduced her to books and reading at the local library in Midland, Texas. Her love of education and reading guided her to a career as a Texas public school teacher and librarian and still influences her today. Through her Ready to Read, Ready to Learn initiative, Mrs. Bush encourages adults to read and share books with their young children to prepare them for reading and learning in school.

National Book Festival Web Site