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Do you love reading? Would you like a chance to meet your favorite author? Are you a writer, publisher, or book store owner who wants to tell the public about your work? If so, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is for you. This two-day celebration of the written word is the United States’ largest book festival. Held every year, in April, at the University of Southern California, this event attracts more than 70,000 visitors each day.
Entry is free, though parking can be difficult, so you might want to use the metro to get here, since it stops right across the street from USC. After you get off, walk onto the campus and past the food trucks and follow the sound of the music playing on the big bandstand in the heart of USC. When you’ve found that spot, you’ll be in the heart of the festival. Bands play here all weekend, so this is easy to do.
Many authors come to this event, including literary luminaries such as James Ellroy, Clive Barker, Joyce Carol Oates, and Walter Mosely. They sign books, speak with fans, and appear at discussion panels. Many literary and cultural organizations attend this festival. If you’re an aspiring author, check out The Greater Los Angeles Writers Society. They can help you polish your writing skills and meet agents and publishers. If you read or write romance, visit the talented members of The Los Angeles Romance Authors.
This festival is not just for adults. In the children’s area, young adult authors wait to meet their fans. Games and contests are held here too. The festival also hosts photography exhibits and film screenings. The Los Angeles Festival of Books has something for everyone.
