Family Day: Exploring the Library’s Fashion Collections at the National Book Festival (NBF)

Explore fashion through hands-on making and Library of Congress collections during the National Book Festival. Families can design a bead bracelet, examine collection images, pick up fashion-themed giveaways, speak with Library specialists, and discover resources for continuing the exploration at home. The program is part of the Library’s yearlong look at how clothing and personal style express American history, culture, and identity.

More to explore in Hall D

The surrounding family area includes interactive skill-building activities with Library specialists and short pavilion sessions where visitors can ask staff about the Library’s collections and work. Families can also:

• Visit state and territorial Centers for the Book along the Roadmap to Reading, collect stamps, and earn a giveaway after completing the route.
• Attend storytimes and interactive programs with local literacy organizations and festival authors in the Story District.
• Try literary STEM activities, experiments, demonstrations, and presentations featuring children’s and young-adult authors.

Tickets and arrival

Admission is free, but a general-entry festival ticket is required for everyone older than 2. Families may reserve as many as 12 tickets together; advance registration is encouraged, though same-day tickets are expected to be available. Bring the ticket on a phone or as a printed copy. The Family Day activity does not require a separate reservation and participation is first come, first served.

Mount Vernon Square Metro on the Yellow and Green lines is nearby. Street closures are expected, while nearby garages charge hourly or daily rates. Ride-hailing pickup is on Allen Y. Lew Place between 7th and 9th Streets NW. Allow extra time for weapons screening, bag searches, and walk-through magnetometers; reentry requires another screening. Each visitor may bring one carry item up to 20 × 18 × 18 inches and one personal item. Strollers accompanying children are also allowed, as are a water bottle and personal lunch or snacks. There is no coat or prohibited-item storage; review the official safety guidance before visiting.

Accessibility

Scheduled presentations offer ASL interpretation and CART captioning. The Accessibility and Information Booth in the Grand Lobby provides access to ASL interpreters, braille programs, tactile maps, information about the sensory-friendly Quiet Room, and other disability services. Assistive listening devices are available near stage entrances, and a limited number of manual wheelchairs can be borrowed from Guest Services. Request additional accommodations at least five business days beforehand by emailing ADA@loc.gov or calling 202-707-6363.