For 22 years, JLW Volunteers Have Welcomed Tens of Thousands of Book Lovers to the Festival

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 20, 2024 – Junior League of Washington (JLW), a volunteer-run non-profit organization of women dedicated to advancing women’s leadership for meaningful community impact through volunteer action, collaboration, and training, will celebrate its 22nd year of providing volunteer support for the National Book Festival. The event will be held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, August 24, from 9am to 8pm, and is free and open to the public.

Over 7,000 Junior League members have contributed more than 46,000 hours of service to this annual festival, which is organized and sponsored by the Library of Congress. This year, JLW will provide around 900 hours of volunteer support, engaging in tasks such as staffing book-signing lines and collaborating with librarians to help children learn about our country’s diverse storytelling traditions through the Roadmap to Reading—a space at the festival where each U.S. state showcases its book selections and highlights its unique literary heritage.

“The National Book Festival is a flagship event for the Junior League of Washington, and we’re proud of our decades-long partnership with the Library of Congress and our commitment to this festival,” said JLW President Charlyn Stanberry. “We’re honored to continue dedicating our time and efforts to this important event, fostering a love for reading and literacy in our community.”

The National Book Festival was founded in 2001 by former First Lady and Junior League member Laura Bush, alongside James H. Billington. Mrs. Bush involved the Junior League of Washington in the festival due to her deep respect for, and understanding of, the volunteer work performed by its members. Under the leadership of former JLW President Constance (C.C.) Christakos, JLW began providing trained volunteers for the festival in 2003 and has maintained a close partnership with the Library of Congress ever since.

The theme of this year’s National Book Festival, ‘Books Build Us Up,’ directly connects with JLW’s vision to serve as a resource in the D.C. metropolitan area, effecting positive change and inspiring hope. Just as books help readers form strong bonds and inform their lives, JLW focuses on supporting pathways to opportunity and empowering individuals and communities through educational and literary initiatives.

To learn more about JLW’s work with the National Book Festival, please click here. 

About the Junior League of Washington

The Junior League of Washington (JLW) is a network of more than 2,300 highly trained female volunteers dedicated to improving the community through effective action and leadership. We are committed to developing exceptionally qualified civic leaders who are prepared to address the ever-evolving needs of our Washington, D.C., community through volunteer service, meaningful programs and initiatives, and innovative solutions. Since 1912, JLW has contributed more than five million hours of direct volunteer service and more than $6 million to the Washington, D.C. community. To learn more, please visit our website, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.