The National Book Festival returns to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center this Saturday. While the event maintains its tradition of highlighting diverse authors and their latest works, organizers are shifting the focus this year to include a wider range of cultural figures from the film and entertainment industries. This change aims to provide attendees with a broader perspective on American storytelling beyond the printed page.
Library of Congress literary director Clay Smith stated the goal is to showcase the vastness of the library’s collections through various artistic mediums. Guests can expect sessions with actress Cynthia Erivo, who will discuss her career and new memoir, as well as director Martin Scorsese, who plans to address the importance of film preservation. The inclusion of figures like comedian Kate McKinnon and author Max Brooks highlights this push to integrate different forms of cultural contribution into the festival.
More than 80 speakers are scheduled to participate in the daylong gathering. In addition to main stage presentations, the festival includes interactive workshops and programs designed for families. Organizers designed the event to offer an expansive view of what constitutes a collection, emphasizing how cinema and performance are as central to American history as literature.
Doors open at 9 a.m. at the convention center in Northwest D.C. Attendance requires a free ticket, which can be secured through the Library of Congress website. Those unable to attend in person can watch the main stage events via a livestream available on the library's official site.