WASHINGTON – Looking for a good book or want to meet your favorite author?
This weekend, thousands of book lovers are gathering downtown for the 12th Annual Library of Congress National Book Festival.
Dozens of award-winning authors are on hand to speak to fans and sign copies of their books, including best-selling author Walter Isaacson (author of “Steve Jobs” biography), Jeff Kinney (author of the award-winning series “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”) and Pulitzer Prize winner Bob Woodward (author of “The Price of Politics”).
Jennifer Gavin, festival project manager, says the event kindles a love of reading in adults and children.
“There is nothing in life or history like a book to help take you away or get you where you’re trying to go,” Gavin says.
Madison Radford, 10, says she is excited to see her favorite authors.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing Jeff Kinney,” Radford said. “I actually have a journal at home because he inspired me to write on my own.”
Helen Walsh traveled from Atlantic City, N.J. to attend the event with her grandchildren who live in the Washington area.
“I’m a big proponent of reading so this is like dying and going to heaven,” Walsh says.
The free event is held between 9th and 14th streets on the National Mall from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, rain or shine.
WTOP’s Jamie Forzato contributed to this report. Follow WTOP on Twitter.
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