Center for the Book
Encyclopedia
The Center for the Book was founded in 1977 by Daniel J. Boorstin
, the Librarian of Congress, in order to use the Library of Congress
to promote literacy
, libraries, and reading in general, as well as an understanding of the history and heritage of American literature
. The Center for the Book is mainly supported by tax-deductible donation
s.
Daniel J. Boorstin
Daniel Joseph Boorstin was an American historian, professor, attorney, and writer. He was appointed twelfth Librarian of the United States Congress from 1975 until 1987.- Biography:...
, the Librarian of Congress, in order to use the Library of Congress
Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is the research library of the United States Congress, de facto national library of the United States, and the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States. Located in three buildings in Washington, D.C., it is the largest library in the world by shelf space and...
to promote literacy
Literacy
Literacy has traditionally been described as the ability to read for knowledge, write coherently and think critically about printed material.Literacy represents the lifelong, intellectual process of gaining meaning from print...
, libraries, and reading in general, as well as an understanding of the history and heritage of American literature
American literature
American literature is the written or literary work produced in the area of the United States and its preceding colonies. For more specific discussions of poetry and theater, see Poetry of the United States and Theater in the United States. During its early history, America was a series of British...
. The Center for the Book is mainly supported by tax-deductible donation
Donation
A donation is a gift given by physical or legal persons, typically for charitable purposes and/or to benefit a cause. A donation may take various forms, including cash, services, new or used goods including clothing, toys, food, and vehicles...
s.
Affiliated projects
- The National Book FestivalNational Book FestivalThe National Book Festival is an American event organized by the Library of Congress annually in Washington, D.C. Held in early autumn, the festival attracts tens of thousands of people each year . Over fifty nationally published authors, illustrators, and poets are invited for lectures,...
- The Telling America's Stories project
- The Letters About Literature contest
- The Viburnum Family Literacy Project