The San Diego Book Festival is making its much-anticipated return to the University of San Diego (USD) next month, under the new sponsorship of KPBS.
This year’s festival promises a vibrant celebration of literature, featuring panel discussions with award-winning authors and showcasing the works of over 70 noteworthy writers and independent booksellers.
Among the headliners are renowned authors Ziggy Marley, known for his book Pajammin’; Larry Charles with his work Comedy Samurai; and Stacey Abrams, author of Coded Justice.
In addition to the impressive lineup of literary discussions, the festival will include live performances by poets and local musicians on the main stage throughout the day.
Cristina Rodriguez, KPBS Community Engagement Coordinator, expressed excitement for the event, highlighting the community’s desire for the festival’s return: “So many people wanted this, we totally heard that from the community. We’re super super happy to keep the spirit of the book festival going on here in San Diego.”
The San Diego Union-Tribune’s withdrawal of sponsorship in 2024 left the festival’s future in limbo.
However, USD Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Noelle Norton, shared that KPBS reached out to collaborate on the festival.
They successfully organized the “One Book, One San Diego” program at USD last year, paving the way for this year’s festival.
The event will take place on a Saturday and will feature popular sections such as the Middle Grade Graphic Novel area, alongside panels that highlight authors affiliated with USD.
Families attending the festival can look forward to a dedicated children’s area, where young readers will have the chance to meet beloved KPBS characters, including Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, and The Cat in the Hat.
Additionally, acclaimed children’s author Maria Dolores Aguila will be present to discuss her book, Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park.
Aguila, a San Diego native, shared that her love for reading was ignited during her childhood, where she would devour every book available at the National City Public Library.
Her aspiration to become an author was sparked by reading The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, a book that made her feel represented for the first time in a story.
“I write so kids that are like me can see themselves in a book, and feel like their stories are important,” Aguila said, underscoring her mission as an author.
Aguila’s children’s book illustrates the powerful history of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, a cultural landmark born from community resistance against local construction efforts that threatened to displace residents in the early 1970s.
She reflected on how the history of Chicano Park could have instilled pride in her community had she known it growing up.
Next month, she will share this significant history with attendees at the festival, which anticipates a turnout of over 70,000 people.
“The festival’s like a gift to the San Diego community because it makes literature feel close,” she remarked.
Aguila believes the festival fosters a sense of belonging as it is an event that unites the community through storytelling and shared experiences.
Norton expressed USD’s delight in hosting the festival alongside KPBS once again, noting the anticipated strong attendance this year.
She emphasized the importance of events like this in bringing communities together and encouraging engagement with the university’s free reading programs and resources.
“We truly believe that reading, literacy and education are the most important things for us to share with the community,” Norton stated.
She added, “We care about it more than anything.”
image source from：timesofsandiego
