Washington/CMEDIA: The Library of Congress (LoC) reportedly is gearing up for the 2026 National Book Festival which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.
Besides, The Library’s Center for the Book affiliate network is hosting many events in their states or territories related to their Great Reads book selections for the National Book Festival.
Annually, the 56 affiliated Centers for the Book select titles that are written by authors from their state or territory, which take place in their state or territory, and/or celebrated at local culture and heritage.
This year many of the Centers are focusing on the Library’s celebration of America 250: ‘It’s Your Story’, with programs exploring the country’s history.
The title The Superlative A. Lincoln: Poems About Our 16th President was chosen by The Florida Center for the Book for the Youth, which is hosting a family program for all ages with both author Eileen R. Meyer and artist Dave Szalay.
Image: Library of Congress
Sharing stories about how they researched, wrote, and illustrated the award-winning book by the duo at the event to be held on September 12 in-person in Jacksonville, Florida at the Southeast Regional Library. Registration is not required.
Eat Like the Hogs: A Collection of Favorite Recipes from Razrback Greats was chosen by the Arkansas Center for the Book for adults featuring over 250 favorite recipes from University of Arkansas Athletics’ Legends.
Image: Library of Congress
A discussion with Karen Van Horn and Becky Bull, the two editors of the tasty bookhosting would be hosted on September 12, in-person in Van Buren, Arkansas at the Van Buren Library. The event is open to the public.
A spooky book for adults ‘Haunted History of Delaware by Josh Hitchens’ was chosen by the Delaware Center for the Book, which would be hosting a hybrid community conversation exploring how Delaware’s past continues to echo in the present day.
Image: Library of Congress
Inviting audiences to uncover the places where Delaware’s history—and perhaps its spirits—still linger, this hybrid event will be held on Sept 13, at the Lewes Public Library and via Zoom. Registration is required.
A book for adults that centers both poetry and history, La Medalla by Marion Bolander Ruiz was chosen by The Puerto Rico Center for the Book containing testimony and original poems from a US Air Force Veteran of the Vietnam War.
Image: Library of Congress
A book presentation event would be hosted on Sept 25 at local bookstore, Librería Tinta y Sol, in Isabela, Puerto Rico, where the author will speak about how his romantic relationships and war experiences inspire his writing. Registration is not required.
The title North Sun, or The Voyage of the Whaleship Esther by Ethan Rutherford for the adults was chosen by the Connecticut Center for the Book which is partnering with the Prosser Library in Bloomfield, Connecticut for an author talk where Ethan Rutherford will discuss his inspiration for writing the book, the writing and research process, and his experience as a Connecticut author.
Image: Library of Congress
The event will be held on October 3, in-person in Bloomfield, Connecticut. Registration is required.
These are only a few of the local libraries, schools and organizations that are hosting watch parties or live events. Check out the rest of the offerings on our Festival Near You page. Learn more about the affiliates on our Centers for the Book page.
This is a guest post by Suzanne Walker, affiliated Centers For the Book program manager.
