2019 Asian American Literature Festival at the Library of Congress

Four events celebrating Asian American literature during city-wide, three-day festival. Full Library of Congress schedule below.

10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: Novelist Monique Truong gives a personal tour of Asian American literature through a mix of social/intellectual history, anecdotes, and short readings by writers both celebrated and overlooked.

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM: Poets Jennifer Chang and Cathy Park Hong uncover the work of lesser-known senior poets who importantly shaped Asian American literary culture. Mini-lectures will be followed by readings of poets’ own work inspired by these secret histories.

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Poet Arthur Sze gives a personal tour of Asian American literature through a mix of social/intellectual history, anecdotes, and short readings by writers both celebrated and overlooked.

3:30 PM - 5:00 PM: Poets Kazim Ali and Ching-In Chen uncover the work of lesser-known senior poets who importantly shaped Asian American literary culture. Mini-lectures will be followed by readings of poets’ own work inspired by these secret histories.

Full festival schedule available here. Books sold before/after day-long event; book signing after day-long event only.

Co-sponsored by Library of Congress Asian Division and Asian American Association. Presented in partnership with Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Poetry Foundation.

Please request ADA accommodations at least five business days in advance by contacting (202) 707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.

Registration is recommended but tickets are not required for entry. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of house management.

FAQs

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

The best way to arrive is by public transportation. The closest metro stations are Capitol South (Blue/Orange/Silver Line—a two block walk) or Union Station (Red Line—a half-mile walk). Limited metered and two-hour zoned parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods. Public parking garages are also available, the largest residing at Union Station. For more details, please visit: www.loc.gov/visit/directions/.

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What can/can't I bring into the event?

All visitors must pass through airport-like security to enter the Library. All personal items will be scanned, including jackets, purses, briefcases, etc. Please allow plenty of time to pass through security. Note that the Library forbids certain items and no provisions are made for checking or holding prohibited belongings. For more information, please visit: www.loc.gov/visit/guidelines-and-tips/.

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Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No, tickets are not required for entry.

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Can I update my registration information?

Yes.

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How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please email poetry@loc.gov or call (202) 707-5394.