WASHINGTON — Book lovers shook off their rain-soaked umbrellas and jackets as they entered the sprawling Walter Washington Convention Center in downtown D.C. for the Library of Congress’ 2017 National Book Festival.
A wet start to the Labor Day weekend wasn’t an issue for the thousands who stood in line for a chance to meet their favorite authors or those who gathered to listen to presentations and panels on topics ranging from politics to comics.
Authors taking part in panels and book signings included historian David McCullough, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, journalist Sidney Blumenthal and poet and children’s author Kwame Alexander.
Chris Hollinsed of D.C. said it was interesting to get to meet the authors of his favorite books in person.
“We just saw Siddhartha Muhkherjee, which was pretty impressive, and we’re on our way to see Margot Lee Shetterly” he said, referring to the authors of “The Gene: An Intimate History” and “Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race.”
His college-aged daughter, Christina Alcorta Hollinsed said finding time to read for pleasure is a challenge during the school year.
“I would like to read more so it’s nice to be here” she said.
Heather Cole, from Staunton, Virginia, drove her sons, 10-year-old Nick and 9-year-old Aiden, to see author David “Dav” Pilkey. She explained that Pilkey, the author of the children’s book series “Captain Underpants,” is the boys’ favorite author.
“They were super excited to come and hear him talk,” said Cole.
Nick said it was great to meet Pilkey, who gave a demonstration of how he draws his famous characters.
Nick ticked off the names of his favorites.
“Dog Man,” “Captain Underpants,” and …”he hesitated briefly, apparently wondering if it was polite to tell a reporter the name of the next one. He blurted out with a laugh, “And Professor Poopypants!”
Quincy Nolly, who explains that as a kid he practically lived in the library, said he was eager to see what books were on offer and to hear some of the discussions. He said he’s currently reading “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer Adler. He acknowledged that it might sound funny to hear an avid reader say they are reading something entitled “How to Read A Book.”
“Well, yeah, I know how to read words on the page but I don’t know how to question what the author’s intent is,” said Nolly.
He says now he’s eager to go back and reread books with what he’s learning in mind.
Berkeley Ryan, 6, and her mom Amy were enjoying a break, sitting and snacking on pizza and talking about what they’d seen.
“I came to learn about books!” said Berkeley.
She said one of her favorite books is “Ramona the Pest” by Beverly Cleary, “because it’s about a little girl who gets into trouble, and I like action.”
Berkeley added that she does not get into trouble herself.
Elias Bernstein had just arrived into one of the halls filled with information on which authors would be giving presentations. The 12-year-old said he’s an enthusiastic reader.
Asked how he’d encourage a friend who might not like reading to pick up a book, he said he’d tell them, “It’s not really about reading the words, it’s about understanding the story and putting yourself in the shoes of the character and going on an adventure with them; being by their side as they go through their life.”
