Category Archives: Library of Congress

August 30, 2017 · 8:58 am

The 17th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival is on Saturday!

If you’re going to be in town this holiday weekend, then plan to book it to one of DC’s biggest, most anticipated annual events on Saturday: The 2017 Library of Congress National Book Festival!

Book enthusiasts young and old come from all over for the day of reading-related activities. Works by more than 100 authors, poets, and illustrators will be showcased, and the creators themselves will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for special appearances.

All genres are represented on stages throughout the festival — Children, Teens, Contemporary Life, Thrillers & Fantasy, Fiction, History & Biography, Poetry & Prose, Graphic Novels — where readings, presentations, book signings, photo ops with writers (and costumed PBS characters), and more exciting experiences for guests will take place. And a Book Sales area gives guests an opportunity to purchase selected reads — and possibly have them signed by the authors.

If your children love books, chances are an author of one of their favorite stories will be there. Kids will also be able to enjoy an array of fun and exciting activities on the Expo Floor, from a literacy corner reading space to special story times and a Where’s Waldo scavenger hunt.

Even more, there’s bound to be a writer — or many — that parents will be excited about, too. David McCullough, Diana Gabaldon, J.D. Vance, Thomas Friedman, and Julia Glass are among the many that will be in attendance. Have a look for yourself at the complete list and start planning your National Book Festival experience. Most presentations are first come, first served — and people do line up early to get seats, so plan accordingly.

The National Book Festival will be held at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday, September 2, from 9am – 7:30pm. Admission is free. You can read about one of our past visits when it was still held on the National Mall — including an interview with Magic Treehouse author Mary Pope Osborne! — here.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: July 17-21

The Library of Congress, one of DC’s most iconic attractions

Monday – Have a wild time at the National Zoo! Check the Daily Programs schedule before you go to help plan your outing — you can see an elephant training demo, meet a farm animal, watch feedings, and more — or pick your animal visits as you go. This time of year, grounds are open 8am – 7pm, exhibit building hours are 9am – 6pm, and the Visitor Center runs 9am – 6pm. Admission is free, though parking in the Zoo lot for non-members is $22 (free for members). You can also try parking on Connecticut Avenue or a side street, or take Metro to Woodley Park or Cleveland Park stations then walk a few blocks.

Tuesday – Visit the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress, to explore children’s books, see interesting exhibits, and marvel at one of DC’s most beautiful buildings. The Young Readers Center is open 9am – 4pm and welcomes visitors to read books, do a Garden Maker activity, and hang out in the cozy space. And be sure to spend time checking out the rest of the LOC, too — it’s truly magnificent! Hours are 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Experience Summer Magic with Dave Thomen. Performances that amuse and astound take place Tuesday – Friday this week at Discovery Theater in the Smithsonian Ripley Center. Recommended for ages 5-12, showtimes are 10:30am and 12pm, plus 2pm on July 20. Admission is $8/adult, $6/child, $3/under 2. For a live show with littler ones, catch Art on the Horizon’s By the Seashore at The Lab at Convergence in Alexandria. Showtime is 10:30am, and tickets are $6.

Thursday – Spend the hot day in the cool underground world of Luray Caverns. Take a day trip to behold the amazing stalagmites, stalactites, and other amazing limestone formations in the massive cave system. There’s even more to explore there above ground: Check out vintage rides in the Carriage and Caravan Museum, stop in the Luray Valley Museum, and make your way through the Garden Maze. Hours are 9am – 7pm. Admission for the caverns is $27/adults, $14/ages 6-12, free for ages 5 and under. Some of the other attractions cost extra.

Friday – Join author, performing artist, and educator MiMi Zannino for Books Alive!, a new program for preschoolers in Gaithersburg, MD, featuring theater, storytelling, music, and crafts that celebrate literacy. Explore Constitution Gardens Park with a treasure hunt and storytelling, then make a butterfly craft, sing and dance to ukulele music, and end the adventure with an interactive nature walk through the Garden.

Where to Play on the Weekdays: May 1-5

So much to marvel at in the Library of Congress

Monday – Visit the largest library in the world, the Library of Congress, to explore children’s books, see interesting exhibits, and marvel at one of DC’s most beautiful buildings. The Young Readers Center is open 9am – 4pm and welcomes visitors to read books and hang out in the cozy space. And be sure to spend time checking out the rest of the LOC, too — it’s truly magnificent! Hours are 9am – 4:30pm. Admission is free.

Tuesday – Get revved up for Strolling Thunder! Join parents and babies from across the country as they stroll on Capitol Hill urging Congress to Think Babies. Events will emphasize the importance of making our youngest children’s potential a national priority. The Stroll takes place at Upper Senate Park from 12:30-1:30pm.

If you prefer to keep the day non-political, go for a walk in the woods and explore the grounds of Woodend Nature Sanctuary in Chevy Chase. The home of the Audubon Naturalist Society is perfect for hiking with little ones. The trails are mellow, there are several small exhibits like bees nests and bird feeding areas, and wildlife sightings are practically guaranteed. Open dawn to dusk. Admission is free.

Wednesday – Explore the grounds and play in the gardens, particularly the Children’s Garden, at River Farm. The American Horticulture Society’s headquarters overlooking the Potomac River in Alexandria are as lovely as they are fun. Hours are 9am – 5pm. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Thursday – Discover American Indian culture with all kinds of hands-on pursuits at imagiNATIONS, the family activity center at the National Museum of the American Indian. Weave a big basket, play in a teepee and models of native dwellings, do some arts & crafts, build an igloo, hear bird calls of the wild, read kids books in the library, and much more. Plan on lunch or a snack at the Mitsitam Cafe, where they serve indigenous cuisines of the Americas that are interesting and tasty! Museum hours are 10am – 5:30pm (cafe 11am – 3pm). Admission is free.

Friday – Spend the day at Flower Mart, the annual spring festival presented by the All Hallow’s Guild of the National Cathedral. Don’t let the name fool ya — along with plant sales and floral and horticultural displays, there is tons of fun for all ages. Music and entertainment, games and rides, tasty foods, the All Hallows Guild antique carousel, and other activities will delight the younger set. Admission is free, though concessions and some activities will cost a fee. Read about one of our experiences at the fair. (KFDC tip: The Beauvoir Playground will be open to the public that day since The Cathedral School is closed, so take advantage of weekday play there!)