If you live near Washington D.C. and don’t have plans for Sept. 26, you should make your way to the National Mall for the National Book Festival (http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/).

There will be 70 writers and illustrators at the event, including Judy Blume, James Patterson and Jodi Piccoult–some of my favorites. I’ve printed off the map and started circling all the places I want to hit. The book signing schedule is at http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/2009/scheduleSigning.html (I hope to pick up some signed copies for me and some for gifts–I may need to take my son’s wagon with me). The pavilion schedule is at at http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/2009/schedulePavilion.html. 

If you don’t live in the D.C. area, don’t worry, the Library of Conference will have podcasts available.