The Library of Congress is celebrating the 20th annual National Book Festival this weekend, September 25-27, with a theme of Celebrating American Ingenuity. One of the most prominent literary events in the United States, it brings together thousands of readers for book talks, interviews, and book signings with authors for every age and genre. (The website also includes samples of highlights from previous festivals, including a conversation with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at last year’s festival.) 

This year the festival will be held virtually, instead of in its usual Washington DC location. Another new feature to the festival is a focus on three timely topics that visitors can explore on a deeper level: Fearless Women, Hearing Black Voices, and Democracy in the 21st Century.

You can register and build a schedule to access on-demand videos and live author chats, or you can keep an eye on the Library of Congress YouTube channel. 

PBS is partnering with the Library of Congress to close the festival with a two-hour television special exploring the ingenuity of a diverse group of best-selling American authors – “what it means to them, how it fires their minds and imaginations and why books are so important to us in these times.” Hosted by Hoda Kotb, the special will premiere on PBS Sunday, September 27 at 6:00pm.