Past Library of Congress National Book Festivals
Related Resources at the Library
River of Words
River of Words is the annual international environmental art and poetry contest for young people in grades K-12. The contest, designed to promote literacy, the arts and environmental awareness, was conceived at the Library of Congress during Robert Hass’s term as poet laureate (1995-1997). For more than a decade, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress has co-sponsored the annual competition with River of Words, a nonprofit organization. Its co-founder and director, Pamela Michael, along with poet David Gewanter will recognize the winning students, who will read their poems or display and discuss their artwork. The River of Words Web site is at: www.riverofwords.org.