Bookworms Unite: National Book Festival Returns to the National Mall September 22nd-23rd

I may be the only person on earth who breathes in a book’s paper like it’s the oxygen I need to live.  No really, I love smelling magazine and book paper. And touching it.  Newspaper, not so much.  And I may be the last person on the planet who will be patronizing a book store (my mother will be the last person on the planet to have library card and still want to use it).  I grew up in a family who cherishes books, surrounds ourselves with volumes, gives them as presents and asks for them and bookstore gift cards for any occasion.  I cannot walk into a store and not buy at least five books and yes, I’m one of those weirdos who reads five at once (like my mom).  So, it’s with great pleasure that we remind you of two of the most fun and interesting days in Washington. The Library of Congress’ National Book Festivalwhich happens on September 22nd and 23rd on the National Mall.  Thousands and thousands of book lovers will descend upon the Mall to listen to authors read and give talks, get their books signed, purchase from their favorite writers and learn all they can.  Call us bookworms, call us nerds, we don’t care.  We are too busy reading to hear you.

Walter Issacson speaking at a past festival

Co-chaired by President Obama and Mrs. Obama, this year’s event draws an impressive lineup of authors, including Walter Isaacson, Tony Horwitz, Tom Friedman, Chris Matthews, Jewel, Sandra Cisneros, Patricia Cornwell, Lois Lowry, R.L. Stine, and a host of other well-known writers. (LINEUP)

This year’s festival theme is “Books That Shaped America.” Authors and the public are invited to share their favorite books that shaped who they’ve become. A series of podcast interviews with select festival authors will be available for viewing.

Saturday, September 22nd from 10am-5:30pm and Sunday, September 23rd from noon to 5:30pm on the National Mall between 9th & 14th Streets.