Bookworms, listen up. September is shaping out to be your month.
Several book events in L.A. and the Eastside this month are dedicated to uplifting the voices and works of Latino authors, with Spanish-language and bilingual literature, and books centered on the BIPOC experience.
Whether you’re looking for your next read, a new author to check out or want to chat with fellow book lovers, we’ve got three events for you to explore.
East Los Book Festival
Local bookstore The Libros Lincoln Heights is partnering with The Goddess Mercado, an inclusive community marketplace in East L.A., to host the East Los Book Festival this weekend. The gathering is all about connecting over a shared love of books, culture and community. The all-ages event will include author talks, book signings, workshops, mercado booths and live music. Featured authors and artists include Marisela R. Chavez, author of “Chicana Liberation: Women and Mexican American Politics in Los Angeles, 1945-1981,” author, poet and ELACC English professor Obed Silva, and “The One Where Chula Grows Up” author Juanita Zavaleta. More information on the event is available here.
Cost: Free, including parking
Date: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14
Location: East Los Angeles Civic Center
LéaLA Spanish Book Fair & Literary Festival
The Spanish-language book fair Léa LA returns this year with a four-day run later this month. Organized by the University of Guadalajara USA Foundation, the festival began as a book fair in 2011 and has since evolved into a larger event and effort to promote reading, Spanish literature and celebrate the culture and customs of the Latino diaspora. Bring the family and enjoy activities, performances and panels, at this Spanish-language and literature event in the historic heart of Los Angeles. For more information on the event, visit their website here.
Cost: Free
Date: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept 19 to Sunday, Sept. 22
Location: La Plaza De Cultura y Artes
Los Angeles Libros Festival
The Los Angeles Public Library is hosting its 6th annual Los Angeles Libros Festival. The free event features Spanish-language and bilingual storytelling, select author appearances, performances, and workshops by LACMA, REFORMA LA and Self Help Graphics and Art. Check out a variety of authors and performers across many styles and subjects including cooking, memoir, poetry and children’s literature. Listen to a conversation with award-winning author and poet Elizabeth Acevedo, learn about the important of Salvadoran culture and food from Karla Tatiana Vasquez author of “The SalviSoul Cookbook,” and catch Pedro Martin author of “Mexikid” discuss the process of creating a graphic memoir. Visit the Los Angeles Public Library site here for more information and RSVP.
Cost: Free
Date: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, September 28
Location: Los Angeles Central Library
For access to free books, audiobooks, or library services you can find a library near you here.
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this story erroneously named last year’s authors at the L.A Libros Festival. The event’s website as well as this story have now been updated.
