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On September 17, the Library of Congress will launch the 2021 National Book Festival (NBF). This year's festival—"Open a Book, Open the World"—will take place over ten days and includes virtual programs as well as in-person events held at the Library of Congress in
Washington, DC.

"This year, we are inviting Americans to create their own National Book Festival experiences by offering free, high-quality programs in a variety of formats that they can mix and match according to their interests and schedules," said Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden. "Our stellar cast of authors, conversations on timely topics, and new ways to engage will allow everyone to enjoy a personalized National Book Festival how, when, and where they want to experience it."

Founded in 2001 by First Lady Laura Bush, the National Book Festival celebrates the nation's authors, poets, illustrators, and storytellers through a host of programming across the country. This year's virtual programs include a television special premiering September 12 on PBS, an NPR-produced series of podcast interviews with participating authors, and thirty-three on-demand videos of author conversations available on the Library of Congress website.

Over one hundred authors are participating in the 2021 festival, including Kazuo Ishiguro, Roxane Gay, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, Michael J. Fox, and Angie Thomas. For more information, visit the National Book Festival website.