The San Diego Book Festival is returning to the University of San Diego (USD) campus on April 6, 2024, after a brief hiatus. Now under the sponsorship of KPBS, this revitalized festival will feature discussions with award-winning authors and showcase the works of over 70 notable writers and independent booksellers.
Headliners for this year’s event include acclaimed authors Ziggy Marley, known for his book Pajammin’, Larry Charles, who authored Comedy Samurai, and Stacey Abrams, recognized for her work Coded Justice. The festival will also feature live performances from poets and local musicians throughout the day.
KPBS Community Engagement Coordinator Cristina Rodriguez expressed enthusiasm for the festival’s return, stating, “So many people wanted this, we totally heard that from the community. We’re super excited to keep the spirit of the book festival going on here in San Diego.”
Following the withdrawal of the San Diego Union-Tribune from sponsorship in 2024, the future of the festival became uncertain. However, Noelle Norton, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at USD, noted that KPBS reached out to collaborate after organizing the successful “One Book, One San Diego” program at the university last year.
Festival Highlights and Community Engagement
On the festival day, attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including a dedicated children’s area where young readers can meet beloved characters such as Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George, and The Cat in the Hat. Additionally, acclaimed children’s author Maria Dolores Aguila will present her book Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park.
Aguila, who grew up in San Diego, has a personal connection to her work, recalling her childhood spent voraciously reading at the National City Public Library. Her passion for writing blossomed after discovering The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros, which she described as a transformative experience that inspired her to write stories where children like herself can see their experiences reflected.
Aguila’s book narrates the history of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan, a cultural landmark established after local residents united to protect their community from disruptive construction in the 1970s. She remarked on the importance of sharing this history, stating, “I wished I had known it growing up, as it would have given me great pride in my community.”
With an expected attendance of over 70,000 visitors, Aguila highlighted the festival’s significance, saying, “The festival’s like a gift to the San Diego community because it makes literature feel close. It’s something that belongs to all of us, not something that we’re forced to learn about, but something that brings a community together. I really feel like stories are what change the world.”
Community Support and Future Prospects
Norton expressed her delight at USD’s collaboration with KPBS, emphasizing the anticipated strong turnout for this year’s festival. She highlighted the importance of events like this in fostering community engagement and encouraging participation in 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 said. “We care about it more than anything.”
Attendees can register for the festival for free either online in advance or on-site the day of the event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. With its emphasis on literature and community connection, the San Diego Book Festival aims to inspire and engage readers of all ages.
