During the week leading up to the National Book Festival on Saturday, Sept. 24, washingtonpost.com will host a series of online chats with authors appearing at the National Book Festival. These text-based discussions can be viewed daily starting on Sept. 19, on the Post site. The schedule of chats and authors' names are on washingtonpost.com's site and the Library's Book Festival site. You will be able to submit questions in advance or during the live discussion. You can also view authors' responses while the program is airing live or at a later date on washingtonpost.com's online discussion archive.
The 2005 National Book Festival, organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress and hosted by Laura Bush, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., between 7th and 14th streets (rain or shine). The festival is free and open to the public.
"Each year, thousands upon thousands of book lovers attend this national event to explore and celebrate American creativity," said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. "Now in its fifth year, the National Book Festival offers a wonderful opportunity to highlight the rich resources in our nation's libraries and bring those resources directly to the American public."
"The National Book Festival is a great way for families and friends to share the creative works of some of America's most-loved authors," Mrs. Bush said. "Readers of all ages can listen to favorite writers speaking about their books, have books autographed, meet many storybook characters and enjoy a day on the National Mall."
