The 31st Los Angeles Times Festival of Books Draws Thousands to USC
The 31st annual Los Angeles Times Festival of Books commenced this weekend at the University of Southern California, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub for literary enthusiasts. The two-day event featured over 550 storytellers and nearly 100 panels, attracting a large crowd eager to engage with authors and explore the world of books.
A Star-Studded Lineup
This year’s festival boasted a remarkable lineup of prominent figures, including Lionel Richie, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Larry David. Richie discussed his memoir, “Truly,” during the Ideas Exchange series, although Parker explored her novel, “The Radiant Dark.” David offered insights into the making of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”
New Additions and Expanded Programming
The festival introduced a new Audiobook and Podcast Stage, presented by Spotify, reflecting the growing popularity of audio storytelling. This stage hosted discussions with authors like Shelby Van Pelt and S.A. Cosby, exploring the evolution of stories across different mediums and the impact of digital platforms on readership. Spotify also hosted an invite-only party featuring Rick Ross, celebrating the launch of his memoir, “Renaissance of a Boss.”
Celebrating Literary Excellence
The festival officially began Friday night with the 46th annual Book Prizes, honoring Amy Tan with a lifetime achievement award and recognizing 61 literary works across various categories. The event underscores the Los Angeles Times’ commitment to celebrating literary achievement and fostering a love of reading.
Community Engagement and Accessibility
Admission to the festival grounds remained free, ensuring accessibility for all book lovers. “Friend of the Festival” packages were available for those seeking reserved seating and parking. The event continues to be a significant cultural event for the city of Los Angeles, bringing together authors, publishers, and readers in a shared celebration of literature.
USC’s ReadersPLUS Program: A Long-Standing Commitment to Literacy
The festival takes place at USC, a university with a long-standing commitment to literacy initiatives. The USC ReadersPLUS program, administered by the Joint Educational Project, provides literacy and math tutoring to students in local schools. Since 1997, the program has placed approximately 100 trained work-study students each semester into five schools: Foshay Learning Center, Vermont Avenue School, Norwood Street Elementary, Lenicia B. Weemes Elementary School, and the 32nd Street/USC Visual and Performing Arts Magnet. Raymund Gargantiel, a former USC Reader, highlighted the program’s benefits, noting that it supports children’s literacy, builds self-esteem, and provides valuable work experience for students.
The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to evolve, embracing new formats and technologies while remaining dedicated to its core mission of celebrating the power of storytelling.