The San Diego Book Festival is set to make its return to the University of San Diego (USD) on March 16, 2024, thanks to a new partnership with KPBS. This revitalized festival will feature engaging panel discussions with award-winning authors and presentations from over 70 notable authors and independent booksellers. Among the headliners are acclaimed figures like Ziggy Marley, author of *Pajammin’*, and Stacey Abrams, known for her work, *Coded Justice*.
The festival promises a vibrant atmosphere with live performances from local musicians and poets scheduled throughout the day. “So many people wanted this, we totally heard that from the community,” said Cristina Rodriguez, KPBS Community Engagement Coordinator. “We’re super happy to keep the spirit of the book festival going here in San Diego.”
The festival’s future was uncertain after the San Diego Union-Tribune ended its sponsorship in 2024. Fortunately, USD Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Noelle Norton, confirmed that KPBS stepped in to collaborate on the festival, building off their successful “One Book, One San Diego” program that took place at USD last year.
Families will find plenty to enjoy at this year’s festival, including a dedicated children’s area where young readers can meet beloved characters such as Clifford the Big Red Dog and Curious George. Notably, acclaimed children’s author Maria Dolores Aguila will be present to discuss her book, *Barrio Rising: The Protest that Built Chicano Park*.
Aguila, who grew up in San Diego, recalls her childhood spent devouring books from the National City Public Library. Her passion for writing ignited when she read *The House on Mango Street* by Sandra Cisneros, which made her feel represented for the first time. “I write so kids that are like me can see themselves in a book and feel like their stories are important,” Aguila stated.
The history explored in Aguila’s work dates back to 1970, when residents of Barrio Logan united to protect their community from construction that threatened to displace them. Their efforts led to the establishment of Chicano Park, now a cultural landmark. Aguila expressed a desire that she had learned about this history sooner, as it would have instilled pride in her community during her formative years.
As the festival approaches, Aguila anticipates sharing this important narrative with what is expected to be over 70,000 attendees. “The festival’s like a gift to the San Diego community because it makes literature feel close,” she remarked. “It’s something that brings a community together.”
Norton emphasized the university’s excitement to host the festival again alongside KPBS, highlighting the anticipated strong turnout. She noted the importance of events like this in fostering community engagement and promoting the free reading programs and resources available at USD. “We truly believe that reading, literacy, and education are the most important things for us to share with the community,” Norton stated.
Attendees can register for the festival for free, either online or on-site, with the event scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the USD campus. As the festival approaches, anticipation builds for a day filled with literature, community, and inspiration.