The Leimert Park Village Book Fair was founded in 2006 by Cynthia Ethusian Exum with the goal of promoting literacy and education in Los Angeles. The Leimert Park Village Book Fair was inspired by a project in February 1999 when Ms. Exum partnered with Our Authors Study Club, Inc. to present a ‘Festival of African American Authors’ at Los Angeles Southwest College. Its success in drawing 10 authors participating for an audience of 40 inspired the idea of creating an annual literary event. The concept of establishing a book fair in the community was further encouraged when Ms. Exum partnered with organizations Helping One Another Progress, Inc., Eso Won Books, the Leimert Park Merchant’s Association, and the 8th District Task Force Committee, and the office of Los Angeles Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, 8th District. Leimert Park was chosen as the host venue site because of its importance as the cultural/artistic center of the African American Community in Los Angeles.

The inaugural Leimert Park Village Book Fair was organized by a Planning Committee of over 30 persons including representatives from local schools, corporate/businesses, libraries, literary non-profit organizations, community organizations, and local authors, poets, and spoken word performers.

Today, the Annual Leimert Park Village Book Fair attracts over 200 authors, poets, spoken word artists, storytellers, performers, and literary/educational exhibitor participants – and boasts an audience of over 5,000. Since its inception the Leimert Park Village Book Fair has grown in popularity and prestige becoming a cultural tradition and premier summer literary event. This year’s Book Fair will take place on Saturday, June 29, 2013, and everyone is invited this day of celebrating the written word.

Special highlights and components of the fair include:

• Five (5) stages including a Main Stage, Children’s Village/Reading Corner, Poet’s Stage, Cook’s Pavilion, and Health and Wellness Stage.
• Interactive activities, storytelling, book give-a-ways, hands-on-projects for children with Superhero/ Comic Pavilion.
• Writing workshops, panel discussions, film screenings, theatre performances, storytelling, readings, author meet & greets, spoken word performances/poetry recitals, and live music.
• Sponsor displays and special activities, including product sampling & prizes.

Admission is Free
The Leimert Park Village Book Fair, Inc. is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization.
For more information, write to Leimert Park Village Book Fair, Inc., 4001 West 22nd Place, Los Angeles, California, 90018.