The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) invites the community to the third biennial Liwanag Literary Festival, a celebration of Filipino American stories, voices and culture. The free festival will be held on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.) in North Long Beach.
“The Liwanag Literary Festival is a shining example of how stories connect us and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the deep diversity that makes Long Beach so special,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “By uplifting Filipino American voices, we honor a community whose culture and contributions enrich our city every single day.”
This year’s festival is presented in collaboration with Bel Canto Books, a Filipina-owned independent bookstore, and will feature storytimes and craft activities for children, along with panel discussions and readings from a diverse lineup of authors. Featured guests include 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 author talks, the festival will highlight Filipino food, art and culture through a variety of vendors and community partners. Guests can enjoy traditional baked goods from Gemmae Bakery, browse Filipino komiks from Hot Tropiks, explore language resources with Tayo Na Lending Library and shop handmade jewelry, art and accessories from Native Sol.
“Liwanag” means light in Tagalog, reflecting the festival’s mission to shine a light on the traditions and contributions of Filipino Americans—especially during Filipino American History Month every October.
“At Long Beach Public Library, we are proud to provide opportunities that celebrate culture, honor history, and inspire learning,” said Department of Library, Arts, and Culture Director Cathy De Leon. “Liwanag is more than a festival—it’s a reflection of the diverse voices that shape Long Beach.”
For those looking to discover even more Filipino literature, 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 Library’s Liwanag Literary Festival is supported by Long Beach Public Library Foundation, Long Beach Friends of the Library, and Intertrend Communications. The Liwanag Literary Festival, which began as an annual event in 2022, will now be held biennially. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the library at 562-570-7500 or visit lbpl.org.
