Library of Congress

David Taylor from the Library of Congress speaks with Kai Bird, who will appear at the 2014 National Book Festival on August 30 in Washington, D.C.

Award-winning author and journalist Kai Bird is best known for his biographies of political figures. Recognized with fellowships from the Thomas J. Watson, Alicia Patterson Journalism and Guggenheim foundations, Bird also co-wrote the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography “American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer.” In his latest work, “The Good Spy: The Life and Death of Robert Ames,” Bird uncovers the legacy of a remarkable operative in the CIA who held influential and effective intelligence on the Middle East.

Rosemary Girard from the Library of Congress speaks with David Sibley, who will appear at the 2014 National Book Festival on August 30 in Washington, D.C.

Ornithologist, author and illustrator David Sibley first published “The Sibley Guide to Birds” in 2000, a book that quickly became known as the nation’s supreme and most comprehensive guide to birds. With his recent second edition of “The Sibley Guide to Birds,” Sibley offers a remastered version of his classic, expanded with updated information, new paintings, new and rare species and elegant design.

Roberto Salazar from the Library of Congress speaks with Meg Medina, who will appear at the 2014 National Book Festival on August 30 in Washington, D.C.

Award-winning Cuban-American author Meg Medina is a writer of books for kids of all ages. She prides herself on being about “strong girls, tough circumstances and the connecting power of culture.” In March 2014 she was recognized as one of the CNN 10 Visionary Women in America. Her newest book is “Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass.” It is a young-adult novel that tells the story of a Latina teen who is forced to experience a journey of self-discovery when she is targeted by a bully at her new school.

Jennifer Gavin from the Library of Congress speaks with Bob Staake, poster artist for the 2014 National Book Festival on August 30 in Washington, D.C.

Bob Staake is a nationally acclaimed illustrator and children’s book author. With an extensive list of publications and design clientele such as Time, McDonald’s, Vanity Fair, Nickelodeon, American Express and countless others, he is known as one of the nation’s most successful illustrators, able to charm nearly any audience with his wide variety of work. Staake’s crisp illustrations, signature style and extraordinary knack for design made him the ideal choice to create this year’s poster and art for the National Book Festival.