Programs and Other Attractions

Over 150 distinguished poets, writers and scholars will present readings and book talks or participate in panel discussions in the State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana State Capitol, and the Louisiana State Museum.

Booksellers
Books by every featured author will be available for purchase in the Barnes & Noble Book Selling and Signing Tent at Spanish Town Road and North 4th Street.

Book Signing Sessions
Authors will sign their featured books in the Barnes & Noble Book Selling and Signing Tent at Spanish Town Road and North 4th Street.

Exhibitors
Books and browsing go hand in hand! Festival goers will love Exhibitors' Row, where they can purchase books and visit booths of booksellers, publishers and other book- and reading-related organizations.

Refreshments & Music
What's a festival without food and music? Food and Beverages will be available for purchase in the House Dining Room of the Capitol and at various locations throughout the festival site. The Spanish Town Road Cafe will offer seating and musical performances throughout the day.

Special Attractions

Free Concert by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
The culminating event of 2008 will take place from 6 PM - 7:30 PM in front of the State Capitol Building. Listen to "The Sound of Books" as the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra performs various themes and other selections from some of your favorite films that originated as books.

Free Book Appraisals
Mr. Joseph J. DeSalvo, Jr., owner of the Faulkner House in New Orleans and co-founder of The Pirate's Alley Faulkner Society, will offer free book appraisals.

FREE Advice on Book Repair
Renee de Ville of Deville Book and Paper Conservation will offer professional advice on the care and repair of works on paper.

Papermaking, Bookbinding & Printmaking Demonstrations
The Print Workshop of the LSU School of Art will demonstrate Printmaking and Bookbinding. Ross Jahnke and students from Nichols State University
demonstrate traditional papermaking techniques.

Happenings for Kids and Teens
Families and younger readers will discover an abundance of fun and educational attractions at the Louisiana Book Festival.

  • The Young Readers' Pavilion, featuring professional storytellers, face painting, craft activities, and costumed storybook characters.

  • The Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Ceremony, honoring the 2008 LYRCA winners. Once Upon a Cool Motorcycle Dude, written and illustrated by Kevin O’Malley and illustrated by Carol Heyer and Scott Goto is the top choice of third, fourth and fifth graders. The Lightning Thief, written by Rick Riordan (Miramax Books, Hyperion Books for Children, 2005), received the most votes from youngsters in grades 6, 7 and 8.

  • Feature Presentations by exceptional children's authors.

  • Members of the Louisiana Writing Project will conduct Writing Activities for students in grades 1 - 6

    • See Focus on Youth for more details.