FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632
Natasha Marstiller, nmarstiller@imls.gov
Mamie Bittner, mbittner@imls.gov

Washington, DC—More than 150,000 book lovers flocked to the tenth annual National Book Festival held September 25, 2010, on the National Mall. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama acted as honorary chairs of the free festival, which was sponsored by the Library of Congress. For many families, the most popular tent was the Pavilion of the States, supported for the ninth year by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS).

The Pavilion of the States salutes the literary traditions of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Representatives from state libraries and Centers for the Book provided information and answered questions about their state’s authors, libraries, book festivals, book awards, and reading-promotion activities. Thousands of children raced to each state table getting state stamps on their maps of America. IMLS awarded a prize to each person who successfully filled the entire map.

"The National Book Festival is a highlight of our year. We celebrate books and literacy with state librarians and other state representatives who are staffing the pavilion and have the honor of meeting visitors from all over the world. We especially love seeing the children and their families excited about reading," said IMLS Acting Director Marsha L. Semmel.

Hundreds of visitors stopped by the IMLS table to nominate their favorite library or museum for the National Medal for Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for those institutions that provide exceptional community service. To learn more about the National Medal, visit www.imls.gov/medals.

For those who were unable to attend the festival, authors’ presentations are available as podcasts at www.loc.gov/podcasts.

Click here to see photos taken at every state library table.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.