As part of the Los Angeles literary community, Antioch University once again participated in the LA Times Festival of Books. This year the planners took a “novel” approach to the Antioch booth for the two-day festival. In addition to alumni book readings and signing, the booth hosted an open mic called the “Voice of Antioch.” Throughout both days students, alumni, and faculty expressed themselves through poetry, spoken word, essays, and civil discourse.
“This year’s booth location was in the center of the action. We sure got our kicks at booth 66,” said Antioch Festival of Books organizer and Antioch BA Faculty and Reference & Instruction Librarian Ken Pienkos, MSLS, MFA.
Nearly 40 Antiochians volunteered, spread the word, and represented the university as alumni, students, faculty, and friends throughout the weekend.
“It was great spending time with our alumni Teri Daskalakis (MFA 2016), Robert Morgan Fisher (MFA 2014), Kate Maruyama (MFA 2010) and faculty Dr. Erica Holmes (Director of the Psychological Trauma Studies Specialization in the MA in Clinical Psychology program), and so many others,” added Pienkos.
Hosted by the Los Angeles Times, the Festival of Books began in 1996. One of the largest book festivals in the country, it attracts major literary talent from all genres, as well as local publications and bookstores from throughout Los Angeles County. Over 150,000 people flock to the University of Southern California campus every year to attend panel discussions, musical performances, and seminars on the literary and publication industry.
