Book lovers of all ages have a chance to meet with and ask questions of their favorite authors, and hear them read from their books. 

The free 12th annual National Book Festival takes place on Sept. 22 and 23 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday and at noon on Sunday. 

Popular children's writers like Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House series, and the singer Jewel will be on hand to sign books over the weekend. For teens, authors including Lois Lowry, R.L. Stine and Christopher Paolini will also sign books. Adults may want to see authors such as Walter Isaacson, Thomas Friedman or Patricia Cornwall. 

To see a complete list of participating authors and a schedule of events, visit the National Book Festival website.