, the largest and most prestigious public literary event in North America. The free-to-the-public weekend of activities has become an L.A. institution, evolving to encompass more than 400 award-winning and celebrity authors and chefs, local musicians, political experts and entertainers engaging in stimulating debates, the exploration of entrepreneurial ideas and revelry under the California sun.  To be held April 20-21, upwards of 150,000 attendees are expected to explore the beautiful USC campus and enjoy appearances by Paul Anka, Margaret Atwood, Brian Boitano, Carol Burnett, Cassandra Clare, Susan Feniger, "Iron Chef" Alex Guarnaschelli, beloved children's author Daniel Handler (Lemony Snicket), Jon Klassen, Ludo Lefebvre, Demetri Martin, Heather McDonald, Danica McKellar, Aida Mollenkamp, Debbie Reynolds, Molly Ringwald, John Scalzi, Tom Sizemore and Nia Vardalos, among others.  The Festival's famed "What Are You Reading?" graffiti wall will take on an added digital dimension this year. Starting today fans can upload photos of their favorite books via Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #WhatAreYouReading, which will be automatically pulled into galleries on the Festival  page and displayed on screens around the festival grounds.  The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Expo Line's new Jefferson/USC station (directly across from the event's main entrance) will make transportation easier than ever, as will the Festival's extensive parking and complimentary shuttles from Union Station. This year marks the first time in Festival of Books history that there has been a Metro Rail Line that directly serves the event venue. Those planning to attend the festival are encouraged to plan their trips on Metro using the Metro.net Trip Planner tool. Metro Riders who present a valid TAP card at the festival can save 10% of the total purchase of official 2013 Festival of Books merchandise, including mugs, t-shirts, and more.  Seating for all Conversations is limited and requires tickets.  The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is presented in association with USC, presenting sponsor Target, and major sponsors Chevrolet, the Natural History Museum and Warner Bros.  for guidelines on the media application process, to apply for media credentials and for more information about the Festival.  was created in 1996 to promote literacy, celebrate the written word, and bring together those who create books with the people who love to read them. More than 150,000 people attend the event annually. General event information is available online at  or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Detailed speaker and event information is available in the official festival program online.  is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 1.5 million and 2.6 million on Sunday, more than 23 million unique latimes.com visitors monthly and a combined print and online local weekly audience of 4.1 million. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for more than 131 years.  (LATMG) businesses and affiliates also include  which, combined with the flagship Los Angeles Times, reach approximately 5.2 million or 39% of all adults in the Southern California marketplace. LATMG also owns  , and is part of  , one of the country's leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting. Additional information is available at  is one of the world's leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international trade, USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.
Eclectic Schedule Melds Appearances By Hundreds of Authors, Stars, Chefs and Musicians with Celebration of Ideas, Creativity and the Written Word