Where in the world can a person find himself or herself in a room with prominent politicians, acclaimed novelists, noted historians, and award-winning actors? At a book fair in Washington, D.C., of course!

There are not many places where a book lover can meet a large number of authors at one time. But our nation’s capital is host to a few notable book fairs and festivals where one can meet a variety of acclaimed writers, purchase their books, and have them signed by the authors themselves.

National Book Festival

Every year in late September, the Library of Congress hosts the National Book Festival on the National Mall between 7th and 14th streets. The first festival was held in 2001 and hosted by then-first lady Laura Bush. In the shadow of the Washington Monument and U.S. Capitol Building, thousands of people attend to hear lectures and meet authors, illustrators, and poets that in the past have included Julie Andrews, David Baldacci, Tiki Barber, Judy Blume, Arthur Frommer, Doris Kearns Goodwin, John Grisham, David McCullough, Joyce Carol Oates, George Will, and many other writers from the famous to the not-so-famous (but no less talented).