What’s black and white and pink all over?

5 Great Reasons to Volunteer for the 2012 National Book Festival

1. Hang out with a bevy of incredible authors. More than 100 authors and poets will be in attendance at the 12th Annual National Book Festival, signing books and conducting readings. This year’s authors and poets include: Lois Lowry, R.L. Stine, Jewel, Thomas Friedman, Jeffrey Eugenides, Chris Matthews, and many, many more.
2. Support literacy throughout Washington, DC – and across the United States. Not only does the NBF support the Junior League of Washington’s work  promoting literacy throughout our nation’s capital, it also helps the Library of Congress – the de facto national library for this great country.
3. Earn a Membership Credit. All Junior League Active members will earn membership credit for their morning, midday or afternoon shift volunteer hours. Volunteer either Saturday or Sunday, hang out with more than 600 other JLW volunteers, and provide critical support to the Library of Congress’s big event.
4. Think pink. Did we mention that this year is the “year of the pink”? That’s right. All JLW volunteers will be rocking a hot pink “staff” shirt. Those awesome C-SPAN bags we all use for our groceries? Also pink.
5. Do you really want to miss it? Last year, more than 200,000 visited the book festival. Just look at the fun we have!

Did we convince you yet? Click here to sign up today!

The Details:

When: Saturday, September 22, 2012 – 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Sunday, September 23, 2012 – 12:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
*rain or shine*

Where: National Mall, Washington, D.C., between 9th and 14th Streets

Training: Due to big changes at the festival, the Library of Congress has requested that all JLW volunteers receive training this year.  There are several options for training on September 18, 19, and 20.  Check jlw.org for details. 

T-Shirts: Pick-up will be at the training sessions. 

Questions: Email Tessa Wilkin at jlwbookfestival@gmail.com

Post your favorite NBF story in the comments!

2nd Annual Evening of Poetry & Prose

As part of the Junior League of Washington’s promotion of literacy, League volunteers hosted the 2nd Annual Evening of Poetry & Prose at Calvary's Women Shelter on May 22, 2012. We were hoping at least half of the residents would either write a poem to recite or share their favorite poem or short story, but our expectations were surpassed when over 85% of the women participated. Poetry is a wonderful way for the women at Calvary share their thoughts and feelings. We wanted to share one of the poems as it's amazing and thought provoking.

Bag Lady
By: Kimberly A. Rhones

Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
Why you still sitting in the park
You’d better hurry up
Cause soon it will be dark

Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
It’s almost seven if you want a bed
Otherwise if you’re late
where you gon lay your head

Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
Did you even eat
Well I know there’s some bread and veggies
And if you’re lucky maybe even a little meat

Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
I can see right now you’ve had a bad day
Of course no one not even me
Wants to go to bed feeling that way

O Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
Can’t you see
This thing that you’re going thru right now
Won’t last forever wouldn’t you agree

Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
Don’t give up hope
The day will come soon
When you will look back on this and joke

Selah

Bag Lady! Bag Lady!
What did you do
You went to bed miserable
And this morning you’re brand new

Bag lady! Precious Lady!
Yes I’ll change your name
Cause you’re walking like royalty
You don’t even look the same

Mighty Lady! Precious Jewel!
And O for the price you paid Looks like your
God proved faithful after all
Cause now you’re fearfully and wonderfully made

Calvary will hold the 3rd Annual Evening of Poetry and Prose in May of 2013.

Please share your favorite poem in the comments. And don't forget to attend the 12th Annual National Book Festival on September 22 and 23 to hear Poetry Out Loud, National Student Poets and much more.