Programs and Other Attractions

More than 180 distinguished poets, writers and scholars presented readings and book talks or participated in panel discussions in the State Library of Louisiana, Louisiana State Capitol and the Louisiana State Museum.

Booksellers
Books by every featured author were available for purchase in the Barnes & Noble Book Selling and Signing Tent at Spanish Town Road and North 4th Street.

Book Signing Sessions
Authors signed their featured books in the Barnes & Noble Book Selling and Signing Tent at Spanish Town Road and North 4th Street.

Exhibitors
Books and browsing go hand in hand! Festival goers love Exhibitors' Row, where they purchase books and visit booths of booksellers, publishers and other book- and reading-related organizations.

Refreshments & Music
What's a festival without food and music? Food and Beverages were available for purchase in the House Dining Room of the Capitol and at various locations throughout the festival site. The Spanish Town Road Cafe offered seating and musical performances throughout the day.

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra
To cap off a wonderful day of books, the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra performed a free outdoor concert in front of the Louisiana State Capitol. From 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Conductor David Torns and the symphony will presented a sunset performance of “The Sound of Books,” a program of music selections from films that originated as books.

Tribute to Coleen Salley
The 2009 Louisiana Book Festival was proud to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Louisiana children's author Coleen Salley. The panel discussion "Remembering Coleen: A Tribute to Coleen Salley" was immediately followed by a Krewe of Coleen sidewalk parade, complete with brass second line band.

Happenings for Kids and Teens
Families and younger readers discovered an abundance of fun and educational attractions at the Louisiana Book Festival.

  • The Young Readers Pavilion, featured professional storytellers, face painting, craft activities, and costumed storybook characters.

  • The Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award Recognition, honored the 2009 LYRCA winners. The Diary of a Killer Cat by Anne Fine was the top choice of third, fourth and fifth graders. Secrets of My Hollywood Life by Jen Calonita received the most votes from middle school students in grades six, seven and eight. The second place winners, or Honor Books for 2009, were Rotten Richie and the Ultimate Dare by Patricia Polacco for grades three through five and Storm Thief by Chris Wooding for grades six through eight.

  • Feature Presentations by exceptional children's authors.

  • Members of the Louisiana Writing Project conducted Writing Activities for students in grades 1 - 6.