The LOC.GOV Wise Guide : Look Who’s Turning 30!

The Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, that's who! Created by Librarian of Congress Daniel J. Boorstin in 1977 to use the resources of the Library to promote books and reading, the Center for Book has become one of the Library's most dynamic educational outreach offices. Within the institution, the center strives to celebrate books and the printed word through various initiatives, including the Books & Beyond author series; the Letters About Literature national reading and writing program, co-sponsored with Target; and the author program and the Pavilion of the States at each year's National Book Festival.

Victory Book Campaign. Soldiers of Ft. Myer, Va., and members of the American Red Cross Volunteer Service examine books contributed by members of Congress for the 1943 Victory Book Campaign. 1943

Bridie Daley, 9, from Frederick, Md., displays her literary map of the United States, 'Discover Great Places Through Reading.' 2006

Outside of the Library, the center has worked tirelessly on its outreach efforts by inspiring the creation of three reading promotion networks: state centers for the book representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia; more than 80 national organizations that promote reading, literacy and libraries; and more than 30 international organizations, associations and institutions, including "reading centers" throughout Russia and the South African Centre for the Book, which is part of the National Library of South Africa.

Since its creation, the center has also sponsored or co-sponsored a variety of publications, including more than 40 books and 50 pamphlets.

The center provides a useful resources such as its "Read More About It!" reading lists, which offer suggestions for additional reading based on the Library's American Memory collections. So, if you just can't get enough of the George Washington Papers or railroad maps, the Center for the Book directs you to titles you can find at your local library or book store for further research and reading.

A. Victory Book Campaign. Soldiers of Ft. Myer, Va., and members of the American Red Cross Volunteer Service examine books contributed by members of Congress for the 1943 Victory Book Campaign. 1943. Prints and Photographs Division. Reproduction Information: Reproduction No.: LC-USE6-D-010883 (b&w film neg.); Call No.: LC-USE6- D-010883 [P&P]

B. Bridie Daley, 9, from Frederick, Md., displays her literary map of the United States, "Discover Great Places Through Reading." 2006. Michaela McNichol. Reproduction Information: Not available for reproduction.