The 2nd Annual Los Angeles Kids Book Festival will return to West Hollywood Park on Sunday, September 8, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The free event, focused on fostering children’s literacy and promoting a love for reading among kids of all ages, is presented by the American Born Chinese Foundation in partnership with the City of West Hollywood.
The festival will feature over 70 exhibitors and a range of activities, including live book readings by well-known authors, interactive storytelling sessions, musical performances, arts and crafts, and other family-friendly activities. Attendees can expect book vendors, author meet-and-greets, face painting, a photo booth, dancing, games, and food trucks offering both savory and sweet options. Free giveaways, including upcoming animation items from Universal Pictures and DreamWorks, are also part of the lineup. New authors and illustrators will be introduced this year, adding fresh perspectives and stories to the event.
Performances during the festival will include The BeatBuds (Nickelodeon), tap dancers Chloé and Maud Arnold from The Syncopated Ladies, Sole Talks (an international youth tap dance group), and Love Bug & Me. Attendees can also see a live art installation by artist Juan Muniz, with appearances by Mykal-Michelle Harris from Disney Junior’s *Ariel* and the upcoming *Raven’s Home* spinoff *Alice in the Palace*.
Book Soup and Children’s Book World have joined the festival, bringing author autograph sessions and readings from popular children’s authors, including Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen. The event continues to highlight the importance of children’s literature while encouraging young readers to develop a love for books.
Bonnie Hyde, Founder and CEO of the American Born Chinese Foundation, noted the significance of the event, saying, “The return of the Los Angeles Kids Book Festival marks an important day in our community calendar. Last year’s festival set a high benchmark, and this year, we aim to exceed it, bringing even more exciting opportunities for children and families to fall in love with reading and storytelling.”
City officials also expressed their enthusiasm for hosting the event again, noting the festival’s role in celebrating the power of storytelling and promoting lifelong reading habits. The Los Angeles Kids Book Festival is expected to continue growing each year as a key cultural event in the city, attracting families, educators, and young readers.
The American Born Chinese Foundation, which aims to support bilingual literacy and promote Asian American and Pacific Islander pride, is the main organizer behind the event. The foundation’s initiatives focus on empowering young readers by fostering bilingualism and cultural understanding.
This year’s festival sponsors include I’m The Chef Too, JoeyDolls, Liquid Death Beverages, and others. The festival is produced by Fleet Media Media.
The event is free, and attendees are encouraged to register for tickets and receive updates on the festival’s website: [https://www.lakidsbookfestival.com](https://www.lakidsbookfestival.com).
– **Date:** Sunday, September 8, 2024
– **Time:** 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
– **Location:** West Hollywood Park, 647 N San Vicente Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
**Parking Information:**
– **Parking Lot A:** West Hollywood Park 5-Story (625 N San Vicente Blvd) – 1st hour free, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; additional 1-hour validation available for park and recreation center patrons.
– **Parking Lot B:** West Hollywood Library (Municipal Structure #3) – 3 hours free with Library validation.
– **Parking Lot C:** Pacific Design Center Gallery (8687 Melrose Ave) – Garage entrance is on Melrose Avenue, just east of San Vicente Blvd.
– Additional metered street parking is available around the park.
