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The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress
The Center for the Book was established in 1977 to use the resources and
prestige of the Library of Congress to promote books, reading, libraries,
and literacy. Within the Library, the center is a focal point for celebrating
the legacy of books and the printed word. Outside the Library, the center
works closely with other organizations to foster understanding of the vital
role of books, reading, libraries and literacy in society. On behalf of
books and reading, the Center for the Book serves as an advocate, a catalyst,
and a source of ideas--both nationally and internationally.
A partnership between the government and the private sector, the center depends
primarily on tax-deductible contributions from corporations and individuals
to support its overall program of projects, publications,
and events of
interest to both the general public and scholars. Its major
themes and interests are reading and literacy promotion, the role of
books and reading in today's society, the international role of books, the
recognition and celebration of America's literary heritage, and the history
of books and print culture.
The catalytic function of the center has expanded dramatically since 1984
with the establishment of affiliated
centers for the book in 50 states and the District of Columbia, a reading
promotion partners program that includes more than 90 national civic and educational organizations, and a broad network of national and international organizations and programs that promote books, reading,
and libraries including several centers for the study of the history of
the book located in academic or research organizations.
MAJOR THEMES AND PROJECTS
The Center for the Book sponsors and supports a variety of projects and themes
throughout the year.
Telling America's Stories:
the Library of Congress's national reading promotion theme for 2001-2003
emphasizes how stories connect people to the world of books and reading.
First Lady Laura Bush is Honorary Chair.
Letters About Literature:
a popular, annual essay contest that asks students to write to their favorite
authors explaining why that author's book made a difference in their lives.
Reading Powers the
Mind: cosponsored with Viburnum Foundation, a library-based family
literacy project that supports and helps develop pilot projects organized
by libraries and their community partners in more than 10 states.
Books & Beyond:
talks at the Library of Congress by authors of recently-published books
relevant to the Library's collections and mission.
Mother Goose
Asks "Why?": a family science and literature
project developed by the Vermont Center for the Book that includes
nine other state centers.
River of Words: an international
environmental poetry and art contest for young people designed to increase
awareness and understanding of the natural world.
Read
More About It!: brief reading lists for adults and young people
about topics presented on television, in exhibitions, and as digitized
collections.
Promoting Literacy:
projects that promote literacy for all age groups.
The International Community
of the Book: events, projects, and publications highlighting the
universal importance of books, reading, literacy, and libraries.
Book and Library History:
symposia, projects, and publications that encourage the study of books,
reading, libraries, and print culture in society.
Literary Heritage USA: educational projects such as literary
maps, literary landmarks, and author data bases that recognize and celebrate
America's literary heritage.
Celebrating Books, Reading, and Libraries: events, commemorations,
exhibitions and publications that highlight the importance of books, reading,
and libraries.
Book Arts: projects and publications that encourage appreciation
of book design and the book and graphic arts.
Poetry Projects: using and promoting poetry to encourage
reading.
Preserving our Print Heritage: projects that raise awareness
of the importance of preserving books, paper, and other media.
Books in the Digital Age: symposia, projects, and publications
that consider the role of books and the printed word in the future.
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Updated: 03/31/2010
