Long Beach Public Library Hosts Third Biennial Liwanag Literary Festival
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Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The third biennial Liwanag Literary Festival, a celebration of Filipino American stories, voices, and culture, was held at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library on Saturday, Oct. 25. The festival was organized by the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) and featured a diverse lineup of authors, engaging panel discussions, and readings.

The festival was presented in collaboration with Bel Canto Books, a beloved Filipina-owned independent bookstore. Mayor Rex Richardson expressed his excitement for the festival, stating that it is a shining example of how stories connect us and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the deep diversity that makes Long Beach so special.

The festival featured storytimes and craft activities for children as well as author talks from Mae Respicio, author of Isabel in Bloom; Florante Ibanez, author of Filipinos in Carson; Randy Ribay, author of Everything We Never Had; and Shelby Rabara and Harry Shum Jr., co-authors of Martee Dares to Dance.

In addition to the literary aspect of the festival, guests were able to enjoy traditional Filipino food, art, and culture through various vendors and community partners. Some highlights included baked goods from Gemmae Bakery, Filipino komiks from Hot Tropiks, language resources from Tayo Na Lending Library, and handmade jewelry and accessories from Native Sol.

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The word "liwanag" means light in Tagalog and reflects the festival's mission to shine a light on the rich traditions and contributions of Filipino Americans. This is especially important during Filipino American History Month every October.

Cathy De Leon, Director of the Department of Library Arts and Culture expressed her pride in providing opportunities that celebrate culture and honor history while inspiring learning. She stated that Liwanag is more than just a festival - it is a reflection of the diverse voices that shape Long Beach.

For those looking to discover even more Filipino literature beyond the festival's offerings, the Bret Harte Neighborhood Library in West Long Beach is home to the newly established Filipino American Cultural Heritage Collection. This special collection features all the titles showcased at the festival, as well as many additional works that celebrate the Filipino American experience.

The Liwanag Literary Festival was generously supported by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Long Beach Friends of the Library, and Intertrend Communications. The festival, which began as an annual event in 2022, will now be held biennially. The event was free and open to the public, and for more information, guests were encouraged to contact the library or visit lbpl.org.

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