National Book Fest was a Labor [Day Weekend] of Love for JLW Volunteers

The page has turned on the Library of Congress’ 2015 National Book Festival, and Junior League of Washington volunteers were an important factor in the festival’s success.

This year marked the 15th National Book Festival and the 13th year the JLW supported the event by providing volunteers. This year also represented the 200th anniversary of the Library of Congress’ acquisition of Thomas Jefferson’s library, and fittingly, the theme of the festival was “I Cannot Live without Books,” a quote from Jefferson.

Over the course of the day, JLW volunteers saw the festival theme in action as up to 150,000 attendees flooded the Washington Convention Center to meet their favorite authors, interact with librarians from across the country, get books autographed and celebrate their love of books. If that seems like a lot of attendees, it was—the festival doubled its attendance from last year.

Since moving from its original home on the National Mall, and marking the second year at the Washington Convention Center, the festival continues to grow and evolve. It has moved from two days to one action-packed day, and this year, the number of authors at the festival increased to 175, the most in festival history.

The JLW continues to grow alongside the Library of Congress, as it builds upon its relationship with the festival. For the first time, the JLW was featured as a contributor to the festival on the event poster, recognition of the League's ongoing role as the largest providers of volunteers for the festival.

This year, 400 enthusiastic volunteers contributed more than 2,000 hours of service on Sept. 5. The volunteers were in action for an extended day this year, staying until 8 p.m. to manage book signing lines and book sales.

What allows the JLW to continue its partnership with the National Book Festival is the quality of the volunteers. During the festival this year, League women aided librarians from across the country in the Pavilion of States, helped keep the crowds under control in the book sales area, and expertly handed long lines and eager fans in the book signing lines. And if you ever wondered what happens when you cross a children’s author with an astronaut who has walked on the moon, ask the volunteers who were tasked with keeping Buzz Aldrin’s fans in line.

The hard work and positive attitudes displayed by our volunteers did not go unnoticed. Marie Arana, co-director of The National Book Festival and senior advisor to the U.S. Librarian of Congress, said after the festival, “You are the rock on whom we depend! Thanks so much for yet another year of wonderful teamwork. Your members are not only gracious and efficient, you’re all so well informed about books. We love that.”

National Book Festival Co-director Guy Lamolinara said, “[We] could not be more pleased with how the festival unfolded, and this is due in very large measure to the enormous contributions of the JLW… we simply could not have the festival without you. We look forward to 2016.”

JLW even had one festivalgoer stop by the League’s table to share how amazing they thought our volunteers are, and that we don’t get enough credit for what we do. While credit and praise is great, it’s not why we do it. JLW volunteers spent their Labor Day Saturday making sure that everyone—authors, fans and parents with kids—had a great experience at National Book Festival because we know how important it is to promote literacy in our community. JLW volunteers managed crowds with grace and a smile because we understand what Jefferson meant when he wrote, “I Cannot Live without Books,” and if we can make just one other person feel that way, then that makes the festival a success in our book.

Thomas Jefferson Can’t Live Without Books, and Neither Can JLW Volunteers

The 15th annual Library of Congress (LOC) National Book Festival is this Saturday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., at the Washington Convention Center. More than 150 authors and illustrators, librarians from across the country, and new activities and presentations guarantee to make this year’s festival a worthwhile event.

Not only is this year the 15th anniversary, but the LOC is also celebrating another big milestone. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the LOC’s acquisition of Thomas Jefferson’s personal library. As a tribute to the former president’s collection and love of books, the theme of the 2015 book festival is centered around a quote of Jefferson’s, “I cannot live without books.” This quote and theme is captured in the poster for this year’s festival, which was created by acclaimed illustrator and designer Peter de Sève!

Jefferson isn’t the only one who can’t live without books. By helping provide volunteers for the National Book Festival for the past 13 years, the Junior League of Washington has been able to help promote literacy in its community while assisting in the festival’s success every year. By volunteering at the festival, Junior League volunteers receive the chance to interact with amazing authors, help librarians across the country and make sure festival attendees have the best experience possible.

Some of the new offerings and activities at this year’s National Book Festival are highlighted below, but remember, while the festival continues to change and grow, one thing never changes—it is always a place for people who cannot live without books.

For the Romantics
At 7:15 p.m. National Public Radio’s Petra Mayer will emcee a program devoted to romance fiction, featuring romance authors Sarah MacLean, Beverly Jenkins and Paige Tyler.

Calling All Movie Lovers
At 8 p.m., A. Scott Berg, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award, will give an overview of Sam Goldwyn’s Hollywood and the rise of the film industry while “Washington Post” film critic Ann Hornaday will moderate a panel on the topic.

If you’re a History Buff
From 2:35 to 7:10 p.m., a variety of writers on war will discuss the human side of war and provide a tribute to the American war experience. Award-winning broadcast journalist Tom Brokaw will speak about his book “The Greatest Generation.” Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Rick Atkinson will talk about human stories from his Liberation trilogy, National Book Award finalist Rajiv Chandrasekaran and co-author Howard Schultz will discuss their book on veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and West Point Professor Elizabeth Samet will host a discussion with war novelists who have written about Iraq and Afghanistan.

JLW encourages you to tell your family and friends to attend the National Book Festival, or bring them with you when you go! If you want to stay up-to-date on all book festival news and activities, make sure to download the new National Book Festival app, which will include the complete schedule of author presentations, book signing lines and activities. Finally, thank you to all who have signed up to volunteer; your time and dedication is valued and appreciated by all who love books!

Bright Beginnings 5K, Register now!

Put your feet in motion at the Bright Beginnings 5K on March 7, 2015, for homeless children and families in DC.

Run, walk, join stroller brigade, or be a virtual runner!

All proceeds from the 5K directly support Bright Beginnings’ programming that prepares young children for kindergarten and helps their families get back on their feet.

Get registered now (here)! Prices go up on January 15!

Can’t make it on race day? You can still help by making a donation (here) to Bright Beginnings.

Drowning in diapers

Diapers.  I am drowning in diapers.  Clean and dirty!  I've got them stored away everywhere.  In every diaper bag, stroller, the car, the changing station and in the bedroom closet.  I don't want to be caught without a clean diaper!  I am aware that despite my best efforts to be prepared and change my babies often, they still get diaper rashes.  My son and daughter go through approximately 10 diapers each day.  The diapers I use are roughly $0.22 each, depending on the number in the box.  At 22 cents each, that is $4.40 a day or $30.80 a week that I spend to keep them comfortable and clean.  That comes to $123.20 a month or $862.40 that I have spent on diapers since Baby A and Baby B arrived in March.  This dollar amount is not something that is ever discussed in my house as a budget concern, and for that I am so grateful.

It wasn't until I had children that I realized how expensive caring for a baby's basic needs could be.  For many families it is a constant worry. In any economy, it is a concern for families that live in communities in perpetual need.  Not having an adequate supply of diapers puts babies at risk of physical harm, due to infection and emotional harm, from being kept in a soiled diaper for a prolonged period of time.

My first thought was, what about mothers that receive public assistance, such as WIC or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP?  But diapers are considered a personal hygiene product and therefore are not allowed by either program.  This is why Huggies started the Every Little Bottom campaign.  Huggies wanted to create awareness to the problem and find ways to help families in need.  Huggies has partnered with organizations such as the United Way, March of Dimes and the Association of Junior Leagues International to reach communities all over the United States to help babies-and families-stay healthy. 

The JLW Esprit Mom's Club is helping our community by collecting diapers and delivering them to our community partners, Doorways for Women and Families and more.  We have already delivered over 1000 diapers this fall.  So, how can you help?  During the month of November, drop off a box of diapers (sizes 4 or 5 are the greatest need) and/or wipes at JLW Headquarters in the President's Office.  Your donation will help a mother in our community provide a basic need for her child, something all mothers long to do.

For more details about Huggies and AJLI, click here:  http://www.ajli.org/?nd=huggies

For more information about diaper deprivation, please click here:  http://www.huggies.com/en-US/promotions/everylittlebottom

Amy
PR & Communications Council Director