The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, the largest Book Festival (BF) in the United States, was established in 1996. Hosted by the University of Southern California, it attracts over 150,000 visitors annually. For more information about this festival dedicated to writing, visit los-angeles.pro.
The history of the festival: What was the most memorable part of the festival for visitors?
Every year, Los Angeles hosts a public festival that unites authors, publishers and all those who wish to partake, completely free of charge. Visitors are particularly interested in the panel discussions with authors, which cover various topics, including performances for children and the Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
The festival’s history is quite fascinating, as is the choice of venue. It is common knowledge that the festival originated from an event organized by the American Booksellers Association at the LA Convention Center. Narda Zacchino and Lisa Cleri Reale, both reporters for the Los Angeles Times, took the initiative as co-founders. They pooled little funds from each department and started working to make their idea a reality.
It is important to note that the venue for the festival has changed. Previously, until 2010, the BF was held on the University of California, Los Angeles campus. However, due to controversy over cost-sharing issues, it was permanently relocated to the University of Southern California.
The festival is typically held during the last week of April but was moved to the first week to avoid conflict with Fiesta Broadway. It is an annual celebration of Mexican and Latino cultures, with Cinco de Mayo, which takes place at the end of April.
A brief overview of past years
The timeline of the BF makes it possible to dive deeper into its rich history.
- The establishment of a BF in 1996 was motivated by the fact that there were no book festivals in the community at the time. It was rectified thanks to the efforts of reporters Nard Zacchino and Lisa Cleri Reale from the LA Times.
- The 10th BFl took place in 2005. Madeleine Albright, Carrie Fisher and Ray Bradbury were among the participating authors.
- In 2011, the festival was held for the first time at the University of Southern California instead of the University of California, Los Angeles campus.
- The 2015 event was the 20th edition of the Festival of Books. The event featured authors such as LeVar Burton, Patton Oswalt and Octavia Spencer, among other invited guests.
- Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the festival was held virtually in 2020 and 2021.
- A long-awaited festival was held in 2022 when visitors were able to attend the event in person after the virtual format. That year, the BF attracted about 155,000 participants.
- In 2023, over 500 authors and artists participated in the event, while the festival-goers themselves experienced unforgettable emotions from such a leisure activity.
Los Angeles Times Book Prize
The Los Angeles Times Book Prize is a prestigious award that aims to discover and honor new talents in the literary world. Founded by Art Seidenbaum in 1980, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize has become a cherished tradition that honors outstanding books each year. Seidenbaum, a former book editor for the Los Angeles Times, played a pivotal role in establishing this esteemed prize. The Los Angeles Times Book Prize includes a range of categories such as Biography, Current Interest, Fiction, History and Poetry. In 1989, the Science and Technology category was added. The Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction was established in 1991, one year after the founder’s death. The Young Adult Fiction category was added in 1998 and the Mystery/Thriller category was included in 2000.
Each year, the Robert Kirsch Award honors a living author with strong ties to the American West. The award is named for the renowned Los Angeles Times book critic who held the position from 1952 until his death in 1980.
Additionally, winners in each of the nine categories, as well as the Kirsch Award winner, receive a citation and a cash prize of $1,000. These awards are presented to the winners the day before the annual BF.
The annual gathering of book lovers
Every year, the world entertainment capital hosts the nation’s largest free literary festival, ensuring that books remain alive. It’s an incredible event that celebrates creativity and writing.
It’s worth adding that the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the most famous convention that attracts about 150,000 book lovers each year. Guests at the event include authors, poets, artists and musicians, chefs and even celebrities. Visitors have a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the author of a beloved book by exploring their journey.
The festival brings together exhibitors, such as publishers and bookstores, to showcase and offer visitors books of various genres.
The event is quite easy to get to as it is located on the University of Southern California campus. It’s a university area in the central part of Los Angeles.
How do you experience the magic of storytelling?
All you have to do is attend the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books at least once. Here are a few highlights that are sure to catch your eye.
- The USC scene offers a harmonious blend of music, art, and entertainment.
- Wallis Annenberg Hall (ANN). This venue gives you the opportunity to participate in thought-provoking panel discussions and author talks.
- USC Friends and Neighbors Stage. It’s a celebration of community and local talent.
This event will be of interest to participants of all ages and can be a way to spend time with your family in a fun and meaningful way. Along with the author readings and book giveaways, the event also includes educational activities, prizes and musical and dance entertainment.
If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the form and select the option that best fits your needs. Options include coordinating with other volunteers, answering attendees’ questions, assisting guests waiting for the event, accompanying authors or panelists, or helping with volunteer registration. There are quite a few variations on how you can help at the festival, so the key is to choose the direction that suits you best.
Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the festival continues to thrive in its traditional form. You can join this community of caring and proactive individuals.
Entertaining events of the BF
It is not only a two-day meeting with authors and getting to know their works, it is something much more meaningful. The BF includes numerous entertainment events, such as discussions, talks with authors, cooking demonstrations and book and poetry readings. Visitors can find something that suits their interests. The BF will also include film screenings, book signings by authors and performances by popular bands and dance pieces to add rhythm and emotion.
Additionally, the festival will feature performances by the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra, LA Opera Singers, and A Capella groups.
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is the most vibrant event that harmoniously combines all forms of art and culture. Moreover, the event is free of charge. Visitors can leisurely explore the campus, enjoying the activities provided. However, to interact with the authors, tickets are required and can be purchased through online sales services.