N.C. A&T to Welcome Library of Congress National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 21, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University will host the Library of Congress’ National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, Mac Barnett, on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 10 a.m. in Harrison Auditorium, 1009 Bluford St.

Greensboro is one of only five cities nationwide selected to host the award-winning author during his nationwide tour as national ambassador. Known for his witty, imaginative, and endlessly engaging stories, Barnett is the ninth author to hold this honor. He will present “Behold, The Picture Book! Let’s Celebrate Stories We Can Feel, Hear, and See,” a joyful tribute to the legacy of children’s literature.

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required online at https://greensborobound.com/event/mac-barnett/

Children attending the event will receive a free Barnett picture book, courtesy of Candlewick Press and Greensboro Bound. Additional books will be available to purchase on site, and a signing will follow the event.

On his nationwide tour as national ambassador, Barnett invites readers of all ages to join him in celebrating what’s vibrant, joyful and inspiring about this quintessential American art form.

“What excites me is the living, thinking, feeling kid who exists right now and needs a good story,” said Barnett. “Magic is what happens at that moment in childhood.”

Barnett was appointed U.S. National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress and Every Child a Reader. He’s a New York Times-bestselling author of stories for children and the writer, with Jon Klassen, of Looking at Picture Books, a newsletter for adults about how picture books work.

Lauded for its authenticity and honest approach, Barnett’s work has been translated into more than 30 languages and sold more than 5 million copies worldwide. His books have won many prizes, including two Caldecott Honors, three New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Awards, three E.B. White Read Aloud Awards, the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, Germany’s Jugendliteraturpreis, China’s Chen Bochui International Children’s Literature Award, The Netherlands’ Silver Griffel, and Italy’s Premio Orbil.

Barnett is the co-creator, with Klassen, of Shape Island, a stop-motion animated series on Apple TV+, based on their best-selling Shapes series of picture books. Barnett lives in Oakland, California.

This event is presented in partnership with N.C. A&T State University, Greensboro Public Library, Scuppernong Books, the Arts Council of Greater Greensboro, and Ready for School, Ready for Life.