Five events we’re excited for at this year’s National Book Festival

Each year, the National Book Festival brings together dozens of high-profile authors for free readings, discussions and signings. The event, organized by the Library of Congress, takes place Saturday, August 24 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center downtown and runs from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with doors set to open at 8:30 a.m. Here are some of the programs we’re excited to check out:

The prolific James Patterson is perhaps best known for his crime mysteries and thrillers (Kiss the girls, a spider came). But in his 2024 foray into non-fiction, The Secret Lives of Librarians and BooksellersPatterson tackles the book industry itself. In this conversation with billionaire (and new Baltimore Orioles owner) David Rubenstein, Patterson will discuss the stories of these workers who aim to spread the joy of reading at a time when libraries increasingly face political censorship. The event starts at 9:30am, with a book signing at 10:30am.

Longtime sitcom actor Max Greenfield (aka Schmidt from New Girl) also writes children’s books and the latest, good night thoughts, is intended for children with sleep anxiety. Greenfield will be in discussion with Chasten Buttigieg, the former First Gentleman of South Bend, Indiana and a published author himself, beginning at 12:45 p.m. A book signing follows at 1:45.

Daytime TV host Tamron Hall, along with co-author and culinary producer Lish Steiling, will discuss their new cookbook A confident cook at 16:15. Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden will moderate, followed by a signing with Hall and Steiling at 5:30.

Ring in the 40th anniversary of Cisneros’ classic coming-of-age novel with the author herself. The story of a Hispanic girl growing up in Chicago is being taught in classrooms nationwide, and Cisneros will discuss the impact and legacy of her work with NPR. Wild Card host Rachel Martin starting at 1:50 p.m. A book signing with Cisneros will follow at 3.

Gen Z and YA readers, this could be the event for you Paolini, author of the fantastic dragon Inheritance series – or more familiarly, the Eragon books – returns with a spin-off that focuses on the half-brother of the titular dragon rider. If you want an autographed copy, arrive before the talk: Paolini’s book signing is at 4:15 p.m., and his talk follows at 6:50 p.m.