Louisiana Book Festival

05/28/2026

The Louisiana Center for the Book has announced the two “Great Reads” selections that will represent LA at the National Book Festival in Washington D.C. on August 22. The selection for Young Readers is SOGGY LIKE CUSH CUSH by Karly Pierre, illustrated by Kristen Uroda, and the Adult Readers selection is YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE: JIMMIE DAVIS AND THE BIOGRAPHY OF A SONG by Robert Mann. Every year the national Center for the Book asks its affiliates to select “Great Reads” books that represents the literary heritage of its state or territory. More: https://library.la.gov/about-us/news/louisiana-selects-two-outstanding-books-for-2026-national-book-festival/

The Library of Congress
Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana

05/06/2026

The Louisiana Book Festival celebrates festival alum Daniel Kraus for receiving the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for his book ANGEL DOWN.

We still remember Daniel’s 2024 visit to Baton Rouge to talk about PAY THE PIPER; a Bayou Gothic story steeped in the folklore found in our own backyards. To see him honored in this way fills us with pride.

Congratulations, Daniel, on this well-deserved accolade!

05/01/2026

2026 Just Listen to Yourself: Louisiana's Poet Laureate Presents Louisiana Poets

04/28/2026

04/27/2026

REMINDER! Voting ends this Friday, May 1 for the 2025-26 Louisiana Readers’ Choice Awards. Each year, young readers and teens across the state select their favorite books from the list of nominated titles. Learn more, see this year’s list, and access online voting forms here: https://library.la.gov/services/for-the-public/louisiana-readers-choice/

Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana

04/02/2026

Poets from around Louisiana gather at State Library for 'Just Listen to Yourself' poetry event

03/30/2026

THIS WEDNESDAY!

April is ! 🖋️ 📖

The Louisiana State Library will be kicking off the celebrations with the 16th annual “Just Listen to Yourself: Louisiana`s Poet Laureate Presents Louisiana Poets” program! Six poets from across the state will be reading their work, which highlights culutre, traditions and experiences from every corner of Louisiana.

This free event will be held at the the State Library of Louisiana in downtown Baton Rouge on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at noon, so don't miss it!

State Library of Louisiana

03/23/2026

Make your plans to come to the State Library of Louisiana for this FREE poetry event on April 1!

NEXT WEEK! Join us at the State Library in Baton Rouge next Wednesday, April 1 at noon for the 16th annual "Just Listen to Yourself: Louisiana's Poet Laureate Presents Louisiana Poets."

This free, in-person poetry reading event hosted by the Louisiana Center for the Book and state Poet Laureate Gina Ferrara features acclaimed and award-winning Louisiana poets Jesse DeLong, Malaika Favorite, Christine Kwon, Poetic X, Karisma Price, and Tyler Robert Sheldon.

Take a break from all the noise and celebrate with us in the State Library's first floor Seminar Center next Wednesday. No registration necessary, but seating will be limited!



Billy Nungesser Lt. Governor of Louisiana
Jesse DeLong
Karisma Price
POETIC X
Tyler Robert Sheldon

01/20/2026

The Louisiana Library Association is calling for presenters for the "Authors Row" at its upcoming annual conference in Lake Charles on March 5-7. Learn more about the event and how to participate here: https://llaonline.org/page-18273