Established in 1989, the Colorado Center for the Book promotes the value of reading and writing throughout the state by its promotion of literacy and celebration of the written word. It was originally part of the Colorado Department of Education, and became an independent nonprofit organization in 1995. In 2001 it received the Library of Congress’ annual Daniel Boorstin Award as the best Center for the Book in the nation. Colorado Center for the Book and Colorado Humanities merged in 2004 to combine the organizations’ missions and efforts to help promote literature, and literacy-based programs statewide.
With a statewide board of directors, Colorado Humanities has forged hundreds of community partnerships, created more than 90 unique educational initiatives in our 49-year history, and reached an estimated 350,000 people each year as program partners, participants, and audiences. We are grateful for the generous contributions from businesses, foundations, and individuals that make our work possible.
National Book Festival
The 22nd annual Library of Congress National Book Festival was held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, Sept. 3, The event was free and open to the public. This year’s theme was “Books Bring Us Together.” A selection of programs were live-streamed online and videos of all programs are available to watch.
Every year during the National Book Festival, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa and Northern Marianas is distributed by the Library of Congress’s Center for the Book. Each book is selected by a local Center for the Book or state library and most are for children and young readers.
This year, Colorado was represented by 2021 Colorado Book Awards winner Gregory Barrington’s book Cow Boy Is Not a Cowboy and 2019 National Book Award finalist Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s new book, Woman of Light.
National Endowment for the Humanities Chair Shelly Lowe talks with Colorado Humanities Director of Programs & Center for the Book Josephine Jones at National Book Festival in Washington D.C.
Library of Congress Center for the Book
The Library of Congress Center for the Book, which also administers the Poetry and Literature Center, promotes books and libraries, literacy and reading, poetry and literature, with programs including a diverse range of events, series, lectures, partnerships, prizes, contests and awards.
Starting in 1984, the Center for the Book in the Library began to establish affiliate centers in the 50 states. Today, there is a State Center for the Book in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These Center for the Book affiliates carry out the national Center’s mission in their local areas, sponsor programs that highlight their area’s literary heritage and call attention to the importance of books, reading, literacy and libraries. Affiliates must submit an application to become part of — and retain — their Center for the Book status, which is renewable for a three-year period. The Center for the Book has established Guidelines for establishing affiliates and for programming activities. The State Centers meet regularly at the Library of Congress to share resources.
CCftB Programs
COLORADO BOOK AWARDS
Celebrating Colorado’s outstanding authors, editors, illustrators, and photographers
CCFTB SPEAKERS BUREAU
Invite local authors to come to your cultural center or school.
COLORADO POET LAUREATE
Award-winning poet Bobby LeFebre uses words to empower and forge connections.
MOTHEREAD/
FATHEREAD COLORADO
Help your children be better communicators by implementing these family reading practices.
VETERANS WRITING
Write to relieve stress, get creative, or prepare for publication.
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