Tens of thousands flock to National Book Festival

Tens of thousands gathered at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center for the annual National Book Festival, sponsored by the Library of Congress on Saturday, September 24. The festival was presided over by the newly sworn-in Librarian of Congress, Carla Hayden, the first woman and African-American to serve in that role.

Carla Hayden, the first woman and African-American Librarian of Congress.

Here are a few highlights of the day:

Popular author and horror novelist  Stephen King opened the Main Stage of the 2016 Library of Congress National Book Festival. He was also recognized for his lifelong work promoting literacy. The ticketed event drew a to-capacity crowd.

Shonda Rhimes, TV producer and writer of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” talked about her book, “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person.”  In front of a packed main stage, Rhimes  talked with with David M. Rubenstein, co-founder and co-chief executive of the Carlyle Group and co-chairman of the National Book Festival.

Shonda Rhimes, TV producer and writer of “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” and several other hit shows

After the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in the morning, civil rights activist and author  Congressman John Lewis talked about his graphic memoir series “ March.” Lewis and co-author Andrew Aydin  held a conversation with Michael Cavna, creator of the “Comic Riffs” column for The Washington Post. 

Rep. John Lewis talks about his third graphic novel

The Washington Post’s Bob Woodward discussed his current book is “The Last of the President’s Men,” which reveals the untold story of Alexander Butterfield, the Nixon aide who disclosed the secret White House taping system, and exposes the final pieces of the Richard Nixon puzzle.

Bob Woodward has worked for The Washington Post since 1971. He has won nearly every American journalism award.

The book festival continues to be one of the great gathering places for book lovers.  Next year promises to be another great experience for all ages.