http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/
The Center for the Book was established in 1977* to use the resources and prestige of the Library of Congress to promote books, reading, libraries, and literacy. Within the Library, the center is a focal point for celebrating the legacy of books and the printed word. Outside the Library, the center works closely with other organizations to foster understanding of the vital role of books, reading, libraries and literacy in society. On behalf of books and reading, the Center for the Book serves as an advocate, a catalyst, and a source of ideas--both nationally and internationally.
A partnership between the government and the private sector, the center depends primarily on tax-deductible contributions from corporations and individuals to support its overall program of projects, publications, and events of interest to both the general public and scholars. Its major themes and interests are reading and literacy promotion, the role of books and reading in today's society, the international role of books, the recognition and celebration of America's literary heritage, and the history of books and print culture.
The catalytic function of the center has expanded dramatically since 1984 with the establishment of affiliated centers for the book in 50 states and the District of Columbia, a reading promotion partners program that includes more than 90 national civic and educational organizations, and a broad network of national and international organizations and programs that promote books, reading, and libraries including several centers for the study of the history of the book located in academic or research organizations.
MAJOR THEMES AND PROJECTS
The Center for the Book sponsors and supports a variety of projects and themes throughout the year.
Telling America's Stories: the Library of Congress's national reading promotion theme for 2001-2003 emphasizes how stories connect people to the world of books and reading. First Lady Laura Bush is Honorary Chair.
Letters About Literature: a popular, annual essay contest that asks students to write to their favorite authors explaining why that author's book made a difference in their lives.
Reading Powers the Mind: cosponsored with Viburnum Foundation, a library-based family literacy project that supports and helps develop pilot projects organized by libraries and their community partners in more than 10 states.
Books & Beyond: talks at the Library of Congress by authors of recently-published books relevant to the Library's collections and mission.
Mother Goose Asks "Why?": a family science and literature project developed by the Vermont Center for the Book that includes nine other state centers.
River of Words: an international environmental poetry and art contest for young people designed to increase awareness and understanding of the natural world.
Read More About It!: brief reading lists for adults and young people about topics presented on television, in exhibitions, and as digitized collections.
Promoting Literacy: projects that promote literacy for all age groups.
The International Community of the Book: events, projects, and publications highlighting the universal importance of books, reading, literacy, and libraries.
Book and Library History: symposia, projects, and publications that encourage the study of books, reading, libraries, and print culture in society.
Literary Heritage USA: educational projects such as literary maps, literary landmarks, and author data bases that recognize and celebrate America's literary heritage.
Celebrating Books, Reading, and Libraries: events, commemorations, exhibitions and publications that highlight the importance of books, reading, and libraries.
Book Arts: projects and publications that encourage appreciation of book design and the book and graphic arts.
Poetry Projects: using and promoting poetry to encourage reading.
Preserving our Print Heritage: projects that raise awareness of the importance of preserving books, paper, and other media.
Books in the Digital Age: symposia, projects, and publications that consider the role of books and the printed word in the future.
DIRECTORY -
http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/cob4.html
These "community of the book" organizations and programs have purposes and interests that relate to the basic mission of the Center for the Book - to stimulate public awareness of books, reading, libraries and literacy.
The first part of this directory is an alphabetical listing of national and international organizations and includes for each organization the address, phone and fax numbers, and when available e-mail and web site information with appropriate links.
The second part lists the name of the organization under a topic which represents the organization's primary focus.
Updated: 09/22/2006
