Visitors enjoying the LA Times Festival of Books
(photo by Ron Hogan)

It's that time of year. If you are a book worm and live in the greater Los Angeles area, you will know where to spend this weekend. UCLA opens its campus to host what may very well be the largest public literary event in the U.S., the 15th annual LA Times Festival of Books. Here, authors can meet their readers, book sellers can meet each other and anyone who likes books can walk around between tents and events and just enjoy being among like-minded people.

"If you like reading at all, in any shape or form, you have to go," said author, journalist and avid reader Celeste Fremon. The USC professor had frequented the Book Festival even before she had her own book to promote or was asked to moderate panels. "I'd still turn up to be a happy-grinning audience member," she said.

All literary genres will be represented and there will be things to do for all age groups. The Target Children Stage will be host to kid's favorites like Caitlin Sanchez, voice of Dora the Explorer. The Hero Complex will be a hot spot for comic book lovers and Manga fans.

Well-known Hollywood bookstore Book Soup has been a staple at the festival since it's inauguration. "It is an opportunity for the book-selling community to come together," Charles Day explained. He said having this massive show-of-faith in books and reading by so many people in LA fills him with pride.

"Everyone always talks about the death of the book and [the festival] just makes you feel good." Book Soup will be one of many book stores and publishing companies to host author events in their booth throughout the weekend.

On Saturday, author T. C. Boyle as well as artist and director David Lynch are two of many industry professionals reader's can shake hands with. On Sunday, fans can get a closer look at award-winning author Dave Cullen when he signs his New York Times best-seller "Columbine".

Organizers expect 130,000 people to wander the rows of exhibitor tents and seek entry into the panel discussions which will feature appearances by authors, literary agents, publishers and celebrities such as Carol Burnett, Bernadette Peters, Buzz Aldrin and Carl Reiner.

Other celebrities will seek the opportunity to show off their skills on the cooking stage, a venue that has become a favorite with book lovers and people who just enjoy good food.

Audience members who hope to be on the other side of the stage one day can learn tips and tricks from experienced professionals - journalists, publishers as well as authors -  in various writing seminars held throughout the weekend.

The LA Times Festival of Books takes place Saturday April 24, and Sunday, April 25. Opening hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission is free.