A Sad Day for LA Writers And Readers

The Louisiana Book Festival is canceled for 2010 because of state budget cuts, State Librarian Rebecca Hamilton announced this week.

The annual festival outside the State Capitol could be in doubt for 2011 as well because budget problems are only expected to worsen when federal stimulus dollars run dry.

The Louisiana Book Festival, which premiered in 2002, takes place in October or November each year and features plenty of local authors, speakers, readings, book signings, food booths and musical performances.

About 5,000 people attended in the first year and it grew to more than 25,000 people in 2009, she said. In the past, only Hurricane Katrina has derailed the festival. (The Advocate)