[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 138 (Thursday, October 2, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Page S12361]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               LIBRARY OF CONGRESS NATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, I draw to your attention an important 
event that is taking place this Saturday, October 4 from 10 am until 5 
pm--First Lady Laura Bush and the Library of Congress is holding the 
third annual National Book Festival on the National Mall.
  The Library of Congress and Mrs. Bush have planned an enjoyable day 
of presentations by nearly 80 award-winning authors, illustrators, 
poets and storytellers.
  Famous fiction, mystery and history writers will read from their 
works. Children's authors such as R.L. Stine, of the Goosebumps book 
series and actress and children's writer Julie Andrews will be among 
those participating. Storybook characters from PBS will stroll the 
grounds and greet young festivalgoers. There will even be special 
readings in the teens and children's pavilion by NBA players 
representing the National Basketball Association's ``Read To Achieve'' 
campaign.
  Additional activities will include book signings, musical 
performances, storytelling, and panel discussions. I am especially 
interested to hear that specialists will be on hand from the Library's 
Veterans History Project to provide information about collecting oral 
histories of America's war veterans. There truly is something for 
everyone at this year's book festival.
  The National Book Festival is free and open to the public and 
promises to be a wonderful family event. I hope that everyone will join 
Mrs. Bush and the Library of Congress on Saturday in celebration of the 
joy of reading.
  For more information, you may visit the Library's Web site 
<www.loc.gov> or call toll-free (888) 714-4696.

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