Everything you ever wanted to know about the National Book Festival (but were afraid to ask) How much does it cost to attend? The National Book Festival - Sept. 22-23 - is a recession-proof bargain: 125 authors, illustrators and storytellers over two days of literary treasure absolutely free! The total cost - about $2 million - is covered by gifts to the Library of Congress, including a $5 million donation from Washington financier David M. Rubenstein to support the festival from 2010 to 2014. But I hate crowds. Even Henry David Thoreau would leave his cabin for this festival. Although 200,000 people are expected to attend, the big tents are arranged so that the crowd never seems overwhelming. You can see and hear no matter where you're sitting because the sound system is superb and the authors speak from raised platforms. Where can I park my car? At home. As Emily Dickinson said, "There is no Frigate like a Book / To take us Lands away." Same goes for Metro: The closest stop is Smithsonian on the Blue/Orange lines. The Festival is between Ninth and 14th streets; you may find a spot on Jefferson or Madison Drive. But while you're driving around like a zombie looking for a place to park, we'll be listening to Colson Whitehead talk about "Zone One." Use your braaains! Can I ride a bike to the festival? As usual, James Joyce's "Ulysses" provides the perfect answer: "Gerty MacDowell loves the boy that has the bicycle." There are bike racks at the Smithsonian Metro stop and several Capital Bikeshare stations around the Mall. Make Gerty proud. What should I wear? Some people will come dressed as Arthur the aardvark, the Cat in the Hat, Curious George and other characters inspired by beloved children's books. But leave that to the professionals. On a sunny day, the temperature inside an Alpha Pig costume on the Mall will cook your bacon. Wear light clothing and comfortable shoes. The festival covers almost a half-mile, so you'll be walking over a lot of dusty ground. Should I bring the kids? You must! Two full pavilions are devoted to authors who write for children and young adults. Your little ones under 5 will love the Read & Build Area, featuring guided activities, songs and more Lego bricks than Strega Nona has pasta. There's also a "Build-a-Book" station and a 19th-century stagecoach replica where kids can hear stories and try their hand with a lasso. In the PBS Kids pavilion, children (and adults!) can pose for pictures with some of their favorite characters (parents: Bring your camera). Trying to convince your surly teens to come along? Show them the line-up for the sci-fi, fantasy and graphic novels pavilion on Sunday. What should I bring? This special issue of Book World. And sunscreen. You'll want to bring something to drink, too, or cash to buy bottled water. Maps and programs will be available on the grounds. C-SPAN will hand out free tote bags. Books by the presenting authors will be for sale at the Barnes & Noble tent. Feel free to play Emma and Mr. Knightley with a picnic under the trees along the Mall. Can I get Patricia Cornwell to sign my copy of "Red Mist"?