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| JLW volunteers Carly Rockstroh and Amy Shuart at 2013 NBF |
By: Carly Rockstroh
JLW Sustainer, former Community Affairs Council Director (2012-13), former Literacy Event Planning chair (2011-12), former LEP Committee member (2009-12), and lifelong lover of books
Smiling
volunteers in black and white JLW hats and bright colored T-shirts walk with
clipboards and coffee in hand. A few eager readers start making their way to
the Book Signing Lines with tote bags full of books, and I am tying an apron
around my waist and stuffing Post-its and Sharpies in any available pockets.
The sun is just rising, but the magic of the National Book Festival can be felt
all around.
Soon, more
crowds of people of all ages and demographics seem to come from every
direction. I even recognize a few from previous Book Festivals. The calm of the
morning quickly turns into a bubbling roar. JLW volunteers are wondering who
the surprise “hit” author will be this year. Children squeal in anticipation
that they will get to meet their favorite authors. History fanatics consult the
schedule for the History pavilion author talks. A few fans line up for the
first round of authors signing books—for JLW volunteers, it is time to get to
work.
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| JLW volunteers at 2014 NBF |
I have
always been a lover of books, and the JLW’s commitment to literacy and the
National Book Festival were two main reasons why I joined the JLW in 2007. I
will always remember going to my first NBF the year before I became a member
with my mother and grandmother. You practically had to restrain me from
grabbing a white hat and a clipboard and getting in on the action.
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| JLW volunteers at 2014 NBF |
So why is
the National Book Festival so special? In many ways, the National Book Festival embodies who we are as a League and as a result, connects all of our members to
our mission and our community. For New Members, it is the first volunteer
experience they will have as a JLW member. For Actives and Sustainers, the
National Book Festival is a tradition for which we are proud and passionate.
For the Literacy Event Planning Committee, it is a labor of love that they work
tirelessly for with the Library of Congress for the months leading up to the
event. Volunteering at the National Book Festival is a way for our whole League
to come together and share our love of books and reading and to help celebrate
literacy with hundreds of thousands of readers every year.
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| JLW volunteers at 2014 NBF |
In 2011, I
had the absolute pleasure of chairing the Literacy Event Planning Committee and
the over 500 JLW volunteers who made the Festival happen that year. To say it
was a dream role would be an understatement. The next year, I had the
opportunity to serve as the Community Affairs Council Director and loved seeing
the NBF taken to an even greater level. Each year, I am impressed with how the
JLW has become more and more involved in the Festival. From extending the
Festival to two days in 2011, to moving from the beloved National Mall location
to the Convention Center, the JLW has been an advisor to the Library of
Congress on how to best organize and run the event, particularly the Book
Signing Line areas. I am so grateful that we have the opportunity to work with
the Library every year on the Festival and that they value our input and
support. A successful Book Festival requires a strong army of smiling
volunteers, and the JLW has been that army for 15 years. This year, I encourage
you to volunteer at the National Book Festival to be a part of that magical,
impactful army of JLW volunteers. Or, attend the Festival with friends, family,
and children. However you get involved—bring your passion for books and
literacy and the wonderful impact they can have on our community. Just like
books can transport you to a new and special place, the National Book Festival
can bring you, even just for a day, into a world where people of all shapes and
sizes can come together.
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| JLW volunteers at the 2014 National Book Festival |
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