Celebrating 23 Years of Volunteer Support and a Shared Commitment to Literacy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – August 25, 2025 – The Junior League of Washington (JLW), a volunteer-powered nonprofit organization of women leaders committed to meaningful community impact, is proud to mark its 23rd year supporting the Library of Congress National Book Festival. This beloved annual event will take place on Saturday, September 6, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center and is free and open to the public. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.

Since 2003, more than 7,350 JLW members have contributed over 47,000 volunteer hours to the festival, helping welcome tens of thousands of book lovers from across the country. This year alone, JLW will provide approximately 2,000 hours of volunteer support, playing key roles such as staffing book-signing lines and engaging with children and families in the Roadmap to Reading—a festival space where every U.S. state, territory, and the District of Columbia showcases local authors, books, and literary heritage.

“The National Book Festival is a signature event for the Junior League of Washington, and we’re thrilled to continue this incredible partnership with the Library of Congress,” said JLW President Christina Babcock. “Every year, our volunteers bring energy, hospitality, and a passion for literacy that helps make this festival such a memorable experience for attendees of all ages.”

Deziree Arnaiz, a program specialist in the Library of Congress’ Literary Initiatives Office, said of her 10 years working on the festival: “During that time, I’ve always worked very closely with the Junior League, and I’ve always appreciated how organized and on top of everything they are. The Junior League does a fantastic job making sure that all the attendees and authors have a great time at every National Book Festival.”

The Junior League of Washington’s involvement with the festival dates back to its founding by former First Lady and Junior League of Dallas member Laura Bush, who—along with then-Librarian of Congress James H. Billington—launched the event in 2001. Recognizing the League’s longstanding commitment to volunteerism and literacy, Mrs. Bush invited JLW to provide trained volunteers beginning in 2003. Under the leadership of former JLW President Constance (C.C.) Christakos, the League quickly became an integral part of the festival’s success.

This year’s festival theme, “Uniting Book Lovers for 25 Years,” celebrates a quarter-century of bringing people together through the power of stories—an idea that resonates deeply with JLW’s mission. As the National Book Festival marks its 25th year, JLW proudly continues its commitment to advancing literacy and education across the D.C. region. Just as books build bridges across communities and generations, JLW empowers individuals and strengthens neighborhoods through meaningful volunteer service and civic leadership.

Learn more about JLW’s role at the 2025 National Book Festival and throughout the D.C. community!

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 5 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.