Los Angeles’ only book festival that focuses exclusively on the local community, the second annual Grand Park Downtown Bookfest offers Angelenos of all ages access to the largest coalition of Los Angeles-based presses and publishers in an outdoor bookstore setting.  The free Bookfest provides a platform for writers and budding authors of all ages as well as literary support communities, including libraries and local non-profit organizations.  Book lovers big and small can see, hear and read from the largest coalition of Los Angeles-based authors, publishers and literacy groups brought together in one day.  Guests can enjoy:

• Bilingual performances by Birdie’s Playhouse, featuring upbeat Latin rhythms and catchy pop refrains to get kids up and moving.
• Performances by Story Pirates, with a one-of-a-kind sketch comedy musical based entirely on stories
  by children, including those in the audience; parents and adults can submit original stories by kids at
  http://www.grandparkla.org/bookfest2014 until March 14, 2014.
• The World’s Longest Story by 826LA, where they can add their own lines.
• A massive comic book by Ryman Arts, where they can draw in their own characters.
• A customized poem-on-demand by Poesia Para la Gente.
• Selections from the California African American Museum's Research Library, including a rare textbook used in classes at Madam C.J. Walker's Beauty College.
• Writing prompts to inspire would-be adult writers provided by PUBLISH!
• The Writ Large pop-up bookshop to discover books, zines and literary gems.
• Storytellers dressed as children’s authors presented by The Music Center Education Department.
• Los Angeles’ best DIY authors creating and selling their work presented by Zinefest.
• Readings of essays about Union Station’s 75^th anniversary commissioned by Metro.

Guests are also encouraged to bring books in good condition to donate to Grand Park’s Little Libraries (please no explicit materials), where they can also take home books for free.       

WHEN:       Saturday, March 29, 2014, noon-5:00 p.m.        

WHERE:     Grand Park, downtown Los Angeles
 200 N. Grand Avenue
 (Between Grand Avenue and Hill Street)

Take the METRO RED or PURPLE LINE TO CIVIC CENTER/GRAND PARK STATION, GOLD LINE TO LITTLE TOKYO/ARTS DISTRICT STATION.

MORE INFO: Visit http://www.grandparkla.org/bookfest2014 or call 213-972-8080. 

Photo Courtesy of Javier Guillen