What first comes to mind when you think about visiting New Orleans? Cocktails and cuisine are surely at the top of the list. But we have a proud literary heritage to share as well, and the New Orleans Book Festival highlights that.
Many famous writers have lived in or been inspired by New Orleans. Tennessee Williams, Anne Rice, John Kennedy Toole, William Faulkner and even Mark Twain have been influenced by our people, climate and culture. The Book Fest carries on our love of literature and offers free programming for readers of all ages.
On Friday, Nov. 6 the festival begins with “Twinkle Twinkle”, an evening concert of song and dance. Families are encouraged to bring picnic dinners and lounge on blankets on the lawn of the Latter Branch Library at 5120 St. Charles Ave. Young Audiences will be doing an interactive performance from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Then on Saturday, Nov. 7 there will be a host of activities at the Big Lake at City Park from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Book readings, panel discussions and a wealth of activities for children pack the day. National and local authors will participate and many will be on-hand to sign books as well. Over 40 writers will be in attendance, including three New York Times bestselling authors – Lorenzo Carcaterra, Sherrilyn Kenyon and Lisa McMann.
Activities for children include multiple storytelling locations, crafts, book characters and free healthy snacks. There will also be live music, food vendors and exhibits. Various sponsors and reading programs will be there to hand out free books, as well as a Barnes & Noble tent where books will be available for purchase.
The festival is presented by New Orleans’ First Lady Cheryl Landrieu who says, “I strongly believe in literacy, and this free event gives people from all backgrounds an occasion to come together in celebration of books! The festival offers unique opportunities for adults and children to interact with exceptional writers and storytellers and to enjoy an inspiring variety of book-related activities, exhibitions, and demonstrations.”
After you enjoy the Book Fest on Saturday, nearby NOMA is also offering half-price admission.
The Latter Branch Library is an easy street car ride on St. Charles Ave. from downtown. And City Park is a Canal street car ride away as well. The Festival is also providing free busses every hour on Saturday from library branches and select schools throughout the city during the day’s events.
