Where can you celebrate books with the people who write them and a community of passionate readers? Why – at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books of course. Now in its 22nd year, the festival “has grown to become an essential part of the L.A. cultural scene, promoting literacy and expanding minds while having fun along the way.”
The Festival of Books attracts upwards of 150,000 people each year, making it the largest such event in the country. Attendees can participate in readings, enjoy live music, view original works of art and sample a range of food offered up on the USC campus and in the festival’s food truck garden.
One of my favorite things to do during the festival is browse the many booths set up by booksellers, publishers, museums, theaters and local literacy and cultural organizations. The breadth of exhibitors is impressive, as you can see on the festival web site. Here are just a few that caught my eye:
Angel City Press – booth 119
This L.A. based publisher chronicles the cultural history of the west.
Beyond Baroque: Literary Arts Center – booth 340
Beyond Baroque is a non-profit “…dedicated to expanding the public’s knowledge of poetry, literature and art through cultural events and community interaction.”
Catamaran Literary Reader – booth 34
“Catamaran Literary Reader is a quarterly literary and visual arts journal that features fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and fine art in a full size, full color magazine.”
december Magazine – booth 157
december Magazine features “…exceptional, thought-provoking poetry, prose, and art; championing the work of unheralded writers and artists and celebrating fresh work from seasoned voices….”
Kinokuniya Bookstore – booth 84
“SoCal’s largest selection of books, stationery, animation, music, and film from and about Japan & Asia.”
LA librería – booth 555
“LA librería is a Los Angeles based bookstore that specializes in children’s books in Spanish language.”
USC’s Master of Management in Library and Information Science – booth 910
“As the only library and information science degree in the nation to be offered through a top-ranked business school, USC’s Master of Management in Library and Information Science online program transcends the scope of a traditional library science program, delivering management strategies to help define your role as a leader.”
If you want to attend some of the scheduled conversations, review the festival calendar today and reserve tickets for those that peak your interest. I noticed that some are already sold out, so you’ll probably want to move fast. I also highly recommend the Festival After Dark, a series of evening events that includes the Book Drop Bash, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Library Foundation of Los Angeles; Losing My Religion (in 140 characters or less), a new play by Hannah C. Langley; and Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind, a play first performed under heavy censorship in Germany in 1906.
DETAILS
When:
Saturday, April 22, 2017 | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, April 23, 2017 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where:
University of Southern California
University Park Campus
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Tickets:
Admission to the event is free, but you can purchase advance tickets to scheduled author conversations and the Festival After Dark here.
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