History

The West Hollywood Book Fair was founded by the City of West Hollywood in May, 2002 as a means of continuing West Hollywood’s history of participating in reading and literacy programs. The inaugural West Hollywood Book Fair was held on Saturday, October 5, 2002. The Fair was a tremendous success as a community literary event.

The Book Fair has grown in size and prestige each year since. It is now known as one of Southern California’s most eclectic literary events, and is inclusive of nearly all genres and age levels. The 8th Annual West Hollywood Book Fair, held on September 29, 2008, drew over 30,000 guests, 400 participating authors and artists, 150 volunteers and over 180 exhibitors. The authors appeared in panels, live storytelling and theatrical and poetry performances and in writing workshops on 12 stages.

The Book Fair has also received several Awards of Excellence from the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS), including the Award of Excellence in the category of Neighborhood and Community Life. This top honor is bestowed on agencies that represent the finest in recreation programming. Our other awards have been presented to us for our Book Fair marketing campaign, logo, and our event program.

Most notably, the Book Fair is organized by a Book Fair Planning Committee of over 30 people, including representatives from local schools, book sellers, authors, media, literary non-profit organizations, literary agents, community members, sponsors and members of City Boards and Commissions. The Committee provides City Staff with direction and ideas for Book Fair programming, marketing, logistics and more.