Every year, a list of books representing the literary heritage of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories is celebrated by the Library of Congress's Center for the Book during the National Book Festival. Each book is selected by a Center for the Book state affiliate or state library that is for children and young readers. Books may be written by authors from the state, take place in the state, or celebrate the state’s culture and heritage.

The Empire State Center for the Book has selected the 1960 classic The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden and illustrated by Garth Williams to be New York State’s 2024 Great Read selection for the National Book Festival  and The Empire State Center for the Book has selected the classic The Cather in the Rye by J.D. Salinger to be New York State’s 2024 Adult Great Read selection for the National Book Festival. 

The festival will take place on Saturday, August 24 in Washington DC. 

See these press releases for more details: 

Press Release- NYS Great Adult Read

New York State’s 2024 Great Read