The following is a text-only press release from the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services (IMLS). An HTML version of this release and
photos can be read on the agency's Web site at
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092909.shtm.

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 29, 2009

IMLS Press Contacts
202-653-4632

Jeannine Mjoseth, [log in to unmask]
Mamie Bittner, [log in to unmask] 

IMLS Sponsors Pavilion of the States at the 9th Annual National Book
Festival

Washington, DC-Despite afternoon rains, more than 130,000 book lovers
flocked to the ninth annual National Book Festival held September 26 on
the National Mall. President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama acted
as honorary chairs of the free festival, which was sponsored by the
Library of Congress. For many families, the most popular tent was the
Pavilion of the States, supported for the eighth year by the Institute
of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). 

The Pavilion of the States promotes reading and literacy projects as
well as the literary traditions of the 50 states, the District of
Columbia, and the U.S. territories. Representatives from state libraries
and Centers for the Book provided information and answered questions
about their state's authors, libraries, book festivals, book awards, and
reading-promotion activities. In the pavilion, thousands of children
raced to each state table getting state stamps on their maps of America.
IMLS awarded a prize to each person who successfully filled the entire
map. 

"We were pleased to be part of this fun and interactive event that
spotlights reading and literacy. It is always a pleasure to visit with
state librarians and other state representatives at the Pavilion of the
States. We especially love seeing the children and their families
excited about reading," said Anne-Imelda M. Radice, Director of IMLS. 

Hundreds of visitors stopped by the IMLS table to nominate their
favorite library or museum for the National Medal for Museum and Library
Services, the nation's highest honor for those institutions that provide
exceptional community service. To learn more about the National Medal,
visit www.imls.gov/medals.

For those who were unable to attend the festival, authors' presentations
are available as podcasts at www.loc.gov/podcasts.

Click here to see photos taken at every state library table.
http://www.imls.gov/news/2009/092909_photos.shtm

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services 
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of
federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and 17,500 museums.
The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that
connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the
national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to
sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and
innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about
the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.

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