LéaLA to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with its annual book fair en español

In a continuous effort to promote reading, culture and language, LéaLA, the largest Spanish-language book fair and literary festival in the United States, announced its 11th edition from Sept. 24 to 27.

On Thursday evening, organizers and allies announced that the four-day event will take place at LA Plaza de la Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles. 

This year, LéaLA will host more than 25 writers along with several programs and workshops for readers of all ages.

LéaLA Director Marisol Schulz said that while there are several local events in Spanish with activities and music, for the past 11 years LéaLA has emphasized literature.

“When people go to the libraries [in the U.S.], there is a very small section in Spanish, but there is a high need to promote Spanish literature," she said. 

This year's theme, “Las historias que nos unen hablan español” (The Stories That Unite Us Speak Spanish), highlights the power of the Spanish language and culture to connect communities, strengthen relationships and preserve shared heritage. 

Schulz mentioned that during the LéaLA book fair that children’s books in Spanish get sold out first. This gives an idea of how Spanish literature is of high interest in the Latino community living in the U.S. 

LéaLA is organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA. Its director, Luis Gustavo Padilla, said one of the best ways to keep languages alive is when we read them.

“Reading fosters imagination, stimulates creativity and gives us direct access to knowledge,” Padilla said. “It also helps us understand other realities, develop critical thinking and connect with others.” 

Students from LAUSD are part of the event

Last year, more than 12,500 people participated in the book fair, including hundreds of Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) students. LéaLA and LAUSD created this partnership that has been going on for four years strong, where students from K-12 attend the event, mostly elementary school-aged kids. 

Anna Guzman, an administrator with LAUSD,  said every year students are very excited to participate at LéaLA because they connect with the language while experiencing new books, listening to stories and connecting culturally and historically. 

“So as they walk back to the bus, they're wondering, ‘When can we do this again? When are we coming back?’ because they really enjoy it,” she said. “So we're always giving the students different opportunities to embrace themselves, not only the culture but the language and the love for reading.”

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the LéaLA website.