Programs

Over 100 Writers and Poets! More than 100 distinguished poets, writers and scholars will present readings and book talks or participate in panel discussions in the Louisiana State Capitol, State Library of Louisiana and the Louisiana State Museum.

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

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

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 Keven 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