The San Diego Book Festival is set to return to the University of San Diego (USD) campus on April 6, 2024, marking a significant revival of the event. Sponsored by KPBS, the festival will feature panel discussions with award-winning authors and showcase works from over 70 notable writers and independent booksellers. Headliners include Ziggy Marley with his book Pajammin’, Larry Charles with Comedy Samurai, and Stacey Abrams presenting Coded Justice.
Attendees can expect live performances from poets and local musicians throughout the day. KPBS Community Engagement Coordinator Cristina Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the festival, noting, “So many people wanted this, we totally heard that from the community. We’re super happy to keep the spirit of the book festival going on here in San Diego.”
The festival’s future was uncertain after the San Diego Union-Tribune ended its sponsorship in 2024. Noelle Norton, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at USD, acknowledged the challenges but highlighted KPBS’s initiative to step in and collaborate on the festival. This partnership previously resulted in the successful “One Book, One San Diego” program, which took place at USD last year.
Engaging Activities and Notable Authors
The festival will feature popular sections such as the Middle Grade Graphic Novel area and panels with academic authors from USD. A community children’s area will offer young readers opportunities to meet beloved characters like Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, and The Cat in the Hat. Among the highlights is acclaimed children’s author Maria Dolores Aguila, who will discuss her book Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park.
Growing up in San Diego, Aguila recalled spending much of her childhood immersed in books from the National City Public Library. Her passion for writing was ignited when she read The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, which provided her with representation in literature. “I write so kids that are like me can see themselves in a book, and feel like their stories are important,” Aguila shared.
Aguila’s book chronicles the history of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, a site transformed in 1970 when community members united to protect their neighborhood from displacement due to construction projects. The park has since become a cultural landmark. Aguila expressed her desire for children to learn this history, stating that knowing it during her youth would have instilled “great pride” in her community.
Community Connection and Participation
The festival is expected to draw over 70,000 attendees, with Aguila emphasizing its importance for community engagement. “The festival’s like a gift to the San Diego community because it makes literature feel close,” she remarked. “It’s something that belongs to all of us… I really feel like stories are what change the world.”
Norton conveyed her excitement about the event, stating that USD is “delighted” to host the festival in partnership with KPBS once again. She expressed hope that events such as this would continue to unite the community and promote engagement with USD’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 affirmed.
Registration for the San Diego Book Festival is free, available either online prior to the event or on-site on the day of the festival. The event runs from 10:00 to 16:00 on April 6, 2024, at USD, promising a day filled with literary exploration and community spirit.
