The U.S. Library of Congress has announced the lineup for its annual National Book Festival, set to take place on Saturday, August 22, at the Washington Convention Center. This year's festival, part of the "America 250: It’s Your Story" series, will feature over 80 authors and multimedia stars, including director Martin Scorsese, "Wicked" star Cynthia Erivo, and bestselling author Ann Patchett.
For the first time, free tickets will be required for entry to the festival, though not for individual programs. These tickets can be reserved online at loc.gov/bookfest. Those unable to attend in person can still experience the event, as Main Stage events will be livestreamed on the same website, with videos of presentations available on the Library’s website and YouTube channel afterward.
The diverse program includes appearances by literary figures such as Patrick Radden Keefe, Kate McKinnon, Tia Williams, Tayari Jones, Frank Miller, and Karin Slaughter. Highlights include historians Douglas Brinkley and Annette Gordon-Reed discussing "1,000 Days in America" in a live C-SPAN recording, Max Brooks presenting a radio play of "The Harlem Hellfighters," and The Kitchen Sisters hosting a live podcast and workshop.
Attendees can look forward to Martin Scorsese discussing his filmmaking philosophy and film preservation, Cynthia Erivo sharing insights from her new memoir "Simply More," and Ann Patchett delving into her recent New York Times No. 1 bestseller "Whistler." U.S. Poet Laureate Arthur Sze, comic book legend Frank Miller, and romance novelist Tia Williams are also among the featured speakers.
The festival will also offer a variety of family-friendly activities, including storytelling, STEM-focused hands-on activities, workshops, and presentations from Library experts. Doors open at 8:30 a.m., with programs beginning at 9 a.m. and concluding at 8 p.m.