The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress invites people of all ages to discover the fascinating people, places and events that await you whenever you read.
Kids! Join the YRC Presidential Challenge
Send us your Video and Be President for a Day
(or at least for a minute!)
The Technicolor Adventures of Catalina Neon
“The Technicolor Adventures of Catalina Neon” is a bilingual, illustrated poem created by U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera and artist Juana Medina. This poem will feature contributions by second and third grade students and their elementary school librarians from across the country. We invite you to participate and help tell Catalina Neon's story.
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Library of Congress Literacy Awards
The Library of Congress Literacy Awards recognize and support organizations and institutions in the United States and abroad that have made significant contributions to combating illiteracy. The Literacy Awards program was established in 2013 and is administered by the Library's Center for the Book. The Library of Congress Literacy Awards program is made possible through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, a major donor to Library of Congress programs, including its annual National Book Festival.
The 2016 application period is now open. The deadline is March 31.
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature Gene Luen Yang is the fifth writer to hold this position, which is co-sponsored by the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council and the Every Child a Reader foundation. He was born and raised in California and is the son of Chinese immigrants. Yang’s theme is “Reading Without Walls.”
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Festivals
The National Book Festival is the Library's annual celebration of books and reading. Authors from across the country entertain participants with insights into their work.
Other book festivals and literary events are held nationwide. There is probably one near you.
Find a festival near you
Books Online and Suggested Reading Lists
Throughout Read.gov, you will find classic books for readers of all ages that have been digitized for online reading, as well as lists of suggested titles that may be obtained at your local library.
Braille Literacy
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped makes it possible for Americans living with visual impairment to enjoy a good book, magazine and even music scores. Read More
Books That Shaped the World
After opening the conversation on the books that shaped America, we're developing a new list of great books that have affected the world throughout history. You can help us choose the books that will go on that list by taking a short survey.
Take the survey (external link)
Letters About Literature
Is there a favorite book or poem that changed your life? Why not write to that author and tell him or her just how important it was? Letters About Literature, sponsored by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, encourages students to write to authors. Winners receive national recognition.