From Humble Beginnings to a Literary Powerhouse: The Festival's Storied Legacy

The National Book Festival traces its roots back to 2001, when it was first launched by then-Librarian of Congress James H. Billington and First Lady Laura Bush. What began as a modest gathering on the National Mall with around 60 authors has blossomed into a massive annual celebration. Over the years, it has weathered changes in venue—from the iconic lawns of the Mall to the spacious convention center—and even adapted to virtual formats during the pandemic. By 2025, the event featured more than 90 participants, a testament to its growth and enduring appeal.

This silver jubilee edition paid homage to its origins while looking forward. Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Newlen kicked off the day with a heartfelt opening ceremony, reflecting on the festival's role in fostering a love for reading amid challenging times. He presented the 2025 Library of Congress Prize for American Fiction to acclaimed author Geraldine Brooks, whose works like Horse have captivated readers worldwide. The ceremony, broadcast live on C-SPAN, set a tone of gratitude and optimism, reminding everyone that books have the power to "crowd out troubling times," as one attendee aptly put it.

Geena Davis' Festival Debut

Geena Davis made her festival debut with her illustrated picture book The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page, inspiring young attendees to embrace their uniqueness.

Davis's book encourages children to embrace their individuality and challenges societal norms about body image and self-acceptance. Her presence at the festival not only highlighted the importance of diverse voices in literature but also inspired a new generation of readers to find strength in their uniqueness.

Geena Davis’s new picture book flips the script—literally. Sheila has lived inside a book since diapers, but by fourth grade she’s outgrown the margins and trying yoga poses just to fit. With a nudge from a friend, she realizes she needs a bigger page, not a smaller self. The art is playful, the tone folksy, and the message…well, printed in bold. Even if the moral leans heavy, kids who’ve ever been told they’re “too much” will find a tall, cheerful reminder to stand tall anyway.

Geena Davis’ The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page leaves an indelible mark, much like the woman herself. Through her vibrant storytelling, she not only celebrates the audacity to take up space but also challenges us to rethink who gets to tell their story and how. From the festival stage to the pages in readers’ hands, Davis’ narrative resonates as a call to action—urging us to embrace our own bigness, to defy the margins, and to write our truths with unapologetic courage. As the 2025 National Book Festival fades into memory, her book remains a beacon, reminding us that no page, no stage, no world is too small for those bold enough to claim their place in it.

Mac Barnett interviewed Geena Davis at the 2025 Library of Congress National Book Festival. As the 2025-2026 National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Barnett moderated her session on her debut picture book, The Girl Who Was Too Big for the Page.

Beyond the Pages: Virtual Access and Lasting Impact

For those unable to attend in person, the festival's inclusivity shone through livestreams on the Library's website and YouTube, with videos archived shortly after. This hybrid approach ensured global participation, extending the 25th anniversary's reach.

As the sun set on September 6, the 2025 National Book Festival left an indelible mark, reinforcing books' role in bridging divides. With its blend of nostalgia and innovation, the event not only celebrated 25 years but also ignited anticipation for the next chapter in this beloved tradition. Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or a curious newcomer, the festival reminds us: in a world of uncertainty, stories endure.

Star Power on Stage: Highlight Authors and Thought-Provoking Panels

The 2025 lineup was a literary dream team, spanning genres from fiction and nonfiction to poetry, biography, and beyond. The Main Stage in Ballroom BC hosted some of the biggest names, starting with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett at 10am.

In a conversation moderated by festival co-chair David M. Rubenstein, Barrett discussed her book Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and Constitution, sharing personal anecdotes about her journey to the bench and her interpretive approach to the Constitution. Despite a brief interruption by two hecklers who were quickly escorted out, the session drew a capacity crowd of 2,200, highlighting the intersection of law and literature.

Fiction enthusiasts were treated to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's return after a decade with her novel Dream Count, a poignant exploration of love, loss, and identity.

Overflow crowds spilled into adjacent areas as she delved into her writing process. Similarly, John Green's Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection blended science, history, and personal reflection, earning rave reactions for its timely insights.

Among the festival’s standout moments was a rare and electrifying panel featuring the three most recent U.S. Poets Laureate—Joy Harjo, Ada Limón, and Tracy K. Smith. Held in Ballroom BC from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this historic event, moderated by Washington Post Book Critic Ron Charles and joined by Robert Casper, head of the Library’s Poetry and Literature Center, drew a packed crowd and was livestreamed on loc.gov, captivating poetry lovers worldwide.

Titled “Celebrating the U.S. Poets Laureate,” the panel brought together Harjo (23rd Poet Laureate, 2019–2022), Limón (24th Poet Laureate, 2022–2025), and Smith (22nd Poet Laureate, 2017–2019) to discuss their latest works and their transformative roles in promoting poetry across the nation. The session was a tapestry of voices, weaving personal narratives, cultural reflections, and the raw power of verse, making it a highlight of the festival’s milestone anniversary.

Each poet brought a unique perspective, reflected in their recent books. Joy Harjo, a member of the Muscogee Nation, shared insights from Washing My Mother’s Body: A Ceremony for Grief, a collection that explores loss and healing through Native American lenses. Her reading, rich with rhythm and spirit, felt like a sacred ritual, resonating with attendees who later shared on social media how her words “held the room in stillness.” Harjo’s work as laureate, including projects amplifying Indigenous voices, set the stage for a discussion on poetry’s role in cultural preservation.

Ada Limón, fresh from her three-year tenure as laureate, captivated with selections from Startlement: New and Selected Poems. Her verses, known for their vivid imagery and emotional clarity, sparked conversations about nature and human connection. Limón reflected on her “You Are Here” initiative, which brought poetry to national parks, emphasizing how verse can bridge the personal and the universal. One festivalgoer posted on X, “Ada’s words make you feel seen—like poetry is a home we all share.”

Tracy K. Smith, whose Pulitzer Prize-winning work has long explored identity and history, presented To Free the Captives: A Plea for the American Soul. Her readings tackled the complexities of race and memory, urging listeners to confront the nation’s past with courage. Smith’s tenure as laureate, marked by outreach to rural communities, underscored her belief in poetry as a tool for dialogue. “Her voice is a call to action,” an attendee tweeted, capturing the panel’s electric atmosphere.

Other notable sessions included Ron Chernow on his biography Mark Twain, R.L. Stine's spine-tingling tales from Stinetinglers 4, and Scott Turow's legal thriller Presumed Guilty. The festival's genre diversity was evident in panels like "Dragons and Dark Creatures: Scary or Friendly?" with Devin Elle Kurtz and Christy Mandin, held at 10:15 a.m. in Room 145.