On one of the hundreds of tents set up across the USC campus, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books attendees write the titles of the books they're reading — or are about to read. See full story
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Photos: Los Angeles Times Festival of Books: Chapter 1

On one of the hundreds of tents set up across the USC campus, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books attendees write the titles of the books they're reading — or are about to read. See full story

On one of the hundreds of tents set up across the USC campus, Los Angeles Times Festival of Books attendees write the titles of the books they’re reading — or are about to read.
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

The two-day festival was expected to draw about 150,000 literature lovers from around the Southland. The 16th annual festival is being held at USC, a change from previous years when it was held at UCLA. See full story

The two-day festival was expected to draw about 150,000 literature lovers from around the Southland. The 16th annual festival is being held at USC, a change from previous years when it was held at UCLA.
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Natalie Perez, 10, taking refuge from the sun under a festival catalog, and her twin sister, Melanie, came to the Target Children’s Stage to listen to a reading by “Goosebumps” author R.L. Stine. See full story

Natalie Perez, 10, taking refuge from the sun under a festival catalog, and her twin sister, Melanie, came to the Target Children’s Stage to listen to a reading by “Goosebumps” author R.L. Stine.
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Members of the USC band march across campus after a rousing performance to open the Festival of Books. "We’re doing events all the time," said snare drum player Anthony Ghavami. "Weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate events..." See full story

Members of the USC band march across campus after a rousing performance to open the Festival of Books. “We’re doing events all the time,” said snare drum player Anthony Ghavami. “Weddings, bar mitzvahs, corporate events...”
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Book enthusiasts flock to a reading by author R.L. Stine. See full story

Book enthusiasts flock to a reading by author R.L. Stine.
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Jennifer Dao, 15, left, and her friends Paula Quach, 14, and Jessica Dong, 14, read in the shade. Jennifer and Paula were looking through "Cartoon America -- Comic Art in the Library of Congress," and Jessica was reading "Sundays at Tiffany's," by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet. See full story

Jennifer Dao, 15, left, and her friends Paula Quach, 14, and Jessica Dong, 14, read in the shade. Jennifer and Paula were looking through “Cartoon America -- Comic Art in the Library of Congress,” and Jessica was reading “Sundays at Tiffany’s,” by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet.
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Drawing an estimated 140,000 people a year, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is one of the largest literary festivals in the nation. See full story

Drawing an estimated 140,000 people a year, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is one of the largest literary festivals in the nation.
See full story (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

Patti Smith speaks at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

Patti Smith speaks at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. (Anne Cusack /Los Angeles Times)

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