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.
State Affiliate Event Calendar
View events and programs available digitally nationwide from Center for the Book state affiliates.
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature
Jason Reynolds, the 2020-21 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, is the seventh writer to hold this position, which is co-sponsored by the Library of Congress, the Children’s Book Council and Every Child a Reader, with additional support from Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Reynolds’ platform for his two-year term is “GRAB THE MIC: Tell Your Story.”
Photo by James J. Reddington.
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Library of Congress Literacy Awards
Through the generosity of David M. Rubenstein, the Library of Congress Literacy Awards recognize and support organizations that have made outstanding contributions to increasing literacy in the United States or abroad. The Literacy Awards program encourages the continuing development of innovative methods and is intended to draw public attention to the importance of literacy. The program was established in 2013 and is administered by the Library’s Center for Learning, Literacy and Engagement.
Discover Great Places Through Reading
Every year, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands is distributed by the Library of Congress's Center for the Book during the National Book Festival. Each book is selected by a Center for the Book state affiliate or state library and most are for children and young readers. Books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage. Discover great reads with our interactive map of the book list or view the original brochures and printable book lists.
View interactive map
American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities
“American Conversations: Celebrating Poems in Rural Communities” was 22nd U.S. Poet Laureate Tracy K. Smith’s second-year project. Throughout 2018, she traveled to rural communities around the country to engage Americans in conversations about poetry. Revisit Tracy K. Smith’s conversations, experiences, and reflections from the road.
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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, created during Herrera's 2016-17 term, features contributions by second and third grade students and their elementary school librarians from across the country who participated to help tell Catalina Neon's story.
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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 Print Disabled 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)