For over 20 years, the ALOUD series has provided a platform for engaging programs. It has hosted more than 1,200 events featuring a variety of voices, including poets, actors, authors, scientists, artists, and intellectuals.
This month, the literary series returns to the LA Public Library. It brings together visionaries for discussions and performances. The Library Foundation of Los Angeles (LFLA) dedicates October to literature and conversation, featuring new book readings and a celebration of Latino poetry.
Luis Rodriguez, an American poet and novelist, expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “The celebration of poetry in our community is very important,” he said. “I’m excited to be part of my first ALOUD event alongside many talented writers. Poetry is innate in our nature. We converse in similes and metaphors. We play with language. Celebrating that within the Latino community will be special for the audience and the writers.”
The main event, titled “Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home,” will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Gloria Molina Grand Park. This event is part of latinopoetry.org’s program of the same name. It kicks off the annual Downtown Día de los Muertos and celebrates the publication of “Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home.” This new anthology from the Library of America is edited by Rigoberto González and includes works by Rodriguez, féi hernandez, and Cynthia Guardado. Musicians curated by Ceci Bastida will perform.
Rodriguez highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “The Latino Poetry event is an opportunity to hear from some of the best writers in our community. I look forward to hearing them share their work, gaining insight and inspiration for my writing, and seeing that reflected in the audience, especially younger members. Our words carry power, and we want to show that to the younger generations.”
ALOUD’s October programming also features a reading by Jenny Slate, an actor, comedian, and New York Times bestselling author. This event will occur at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25, at Palace Theater. After her reading, Slate will engage in a conversation with fellow bestselling author George Saunders and host a Q&A with the audience.
Slate is known for her humor and whimsy. At the Palace Theater, she will read from her new book of essays, exploring relatable life experiences from heartbreak to parenthood. Tickets range from $82 to $92 and include a signed copy of her latest book, “Lifeform.”
Jessica Strand, ALOUD series curator and LFLA senior director of programming, emphasized the importance of accessibility in cultural programming. “For me, it’s always been important to work somewhere culture is available to everyone,” she said. “I knew LFLA was a place where I could create opportunities for people to share their stories and serve as an outlet for our community.”
ALOUD will conclude its fall literature festivities at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, with André Aciman, the author of the bestselling novel “Call Me by Your Name.” Making his ALOUD stage debut, Aciman will discuss his new book “Roman Year” with editor and novelist David Ulin at the Mark Taper Auditorium. This coming-of-age book reflects on Aciman’s experiences in Rome while transitioning into adulthood after his family was expelled from Egypt.
Strand concluded, “ALOUD encapsulates quality programming and ideas for the public, with many resources being free. We want our events to be as accessible as possible because these are essential assets for LA. ALOUD is about providing access to culture to enrich the people in our area.”
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