2026 National Book Festival Volunteer Opportunity

The 26th annual Library of Congress National Book Festival, bringing together best-selling authors, illustrators and book lovers from around the world, will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center at 801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW, Washington, D.C. Doors open to the public at 8:30 a.m., and morning volunteer shift begins at 8:00 a.m. (with check-in at 7:30 a.m.). To learn more about this event, visit the Festival’s official website loc.gov/bookfest.

The success of the Library’s National Book Festival depends on the efforts of hundreds of committed volunteers, many of whom return year after year. The application to volunteer for this year’s festival is now open, and we hope you’ll join us! All volunteers must meet five requirements to participate in the festival:

Be at least 16 years of age as of Saturday, August 22, 2026;

1. Commit to at least one 4.5-hour shift

at the festival;

Attend a mandatory 90-minute briefing session in advance of the festival;

Pick up your t-shirt at the Library of Congress in advance of the festival;

Sign the Library’s Voluntary Services Agreement (this document must be signed and presented for t-shirt pick up).