This weekend features the 17^th Library of Congress National Book Festival. The free, all-day event takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in DC (where this year’s AWP conference was located) on Saturday, September 2.

The event includes readings and talks with dozens of authors including Dan Chaon, Peter Ho Davies, Emma Donoghue, Diana Gabaldon, Roxane Gay, Juan Felipe Herrera, Marie Howe, Ha Jin, Adrian Matejka, Alice McDermott, Claire Messud, Bill Roorbach, Elizabeth Strout, Colm Toíbín, and Jesmyn Ward.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m., and more than 100 authors and illustrators will present their work on a variety of stages dedicated to fiction, poetry, history, contemporary life, kids, and more.

The festival includes several author signings and a bookstore provided by independent DC store Politics & Prose.

The convention center will also feature the Library of Congress Town Square, where visitors can “learn about the Library of Congress’ diverse collections and services through engaging talks and performances by Library of Congress curators and special guests. Family-friendly presentations include trivia sessions, an interactive maze illustration by Joe Wos, appearances by National Student Poets, and a special session with illustrator Roz Chast. Curators from across the Library will showcase their collections with children's and teen activities throughout the day.”

If you’re able to go, John Sayers, public affairs specialist for the library, has some tips to make your trip to the festival even better on the Library of Congress blog.

Image Credit: Library of Congress