The John M. Pfau Library at Cal State San Bernardino, along with Edward James Olmos, Latino Literacy Now and the Santos Manuel Student Union, will present the 4th Annual Latino Book and Family Festival on Saturday, April 30, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will take place in CSUSB’s Santos Manuel Student Union, and will feature author presentations, writing workshops, panel discussions, literary forums, book signings and readings, musical and dance performances, art and essay contests, as well as an array of interactive activities for children of all ages.
Program highlights include performances by Danza Azteca Tlazolteotl, Ballet Folklorico Cultural, Academy Ballet Folklorico Escencia de Mexico, Grupo Folcorico de Costa Rica Sr. Valverde, Ballet Folklorico Sol Del Desierto, Mariachi Juvenil Corona De Angeles, Ballet Folklorico Resureccion, as well as singers Maribel Fuentes and Monibee Henley, and poet Lucia De Garcia.
In addition, children’s authors Jay Michael Harris (“The Moon is La Luna”), Carmen Tafolla (“What Can You Do with a Paleta?”), Jose Lozano (“Little Chanclas”) and Georgette Baker, who has written 26 books, will perform readings and answer audience questions.
Both food and commercial vendors will complement the program, adding to the cultural experience.
“The Latino Book and Family Festival is a wonderful event that brings together members of both the campus and broader community, while also promoting literacy and celebrating Latino literary achievements,” said Cesar Caballero, dean of the John M. Pfau Library, who, along with his wife, Sue Caballero, is one of the festival’s sponsors.
“This year, we have an extraordinary lineup of authors, activities, presentations, and entertainment,” Caballero said. “We’ll also give away several thousand books to children and adults. We invite everyone in the inland region and beyond to join us in this annual celebration of reading and the written word.”
Additional sponsors include Inland Empire Health Plan, San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools, Libreria del Pueblo Inc., the Mexican Consulate, Family First Events and Rentals, Martin Valdez, as well as CSUSB’s colleges of Education, Social and Behavioral Sciences and Business and Public Administration.
The event is free and open to the public; complimentary parking is available in Lot D.
For more information, please visit Facebook.com/IELBFF or contact Kamerin Bateman at kbateman@csusb.edu or (909) 537-3108.