It took a millennium to start the Santa Barbara Book & Author Festival. In 1999, publisher Steve Ainsley of the News-Press wanted to celebrate with two events: First Night (downtown community celebration of New Year’s Eve) and Book Festival. For two years in 1999 and 2000, the News-Press sponsored the Festival at De la Guerra Plaza with a growing audience.

When the paper changed hands in 2001, support was withdrawn. Fred Klein and Susan Gulbransen, book columnists and reviewers who had worked on the Festival, faced a decision: Keep it going or forget it. No community event happens with only a couple of people and, by 2002, writers such as Perie Longo, Gayle Lynds, Steve Gilbar and book people such as Bob Bason (publisher of Capra Press) and Kate Schwab (then General Manager at Border’s) helped form a board. The Independent picked up publishing the insert/program and lending publicity support. The board obtained nonprofit status, author Len Lamensdorf gave a $5,000 challenge grant, and the Festival was again on solid ground.

Aware of our rich literary resources, the board in 2002 created the Ross Macdonald Literary Award in recognition of one of Santa Barbara’s most famous mystery authors. It goes to a California writer who has raised the level of literary excellence with Ray Bradbury as the first recipient followed by an impressive group: Dean Koonz, Sue Grafton, Mark Salzman and Robert Crais. This year, T.C. Boyle will receive it.

The next year, board member and UCSB professor, Mario Garcia, paved a new partnership with the University for the Luis Leal Award for Distinction in Chicano/Latino Literature to honor the popular Chicano Studies professor and author. Oscar Hijuelos received in 2003 with Rudolpho Anaya, Denise Chavez, and Helena Maria Viramontes following. The 2007 Award goes to Alejandro Morales. 

Rounding out the awards, board member Chryss Yost arranged the Glenna Luschei Distinguished Poet Fellowship, which was first presented in 2006 to Jane Kirshfield and this year to Al Young .

Each year, the Festival draws larger audiences with a greater variety of panelists and up to nearly 100 booth vendors offering books, author appearances and nonprofit information. The Family Stage has presented entertainment around books for children and adults such as readings from students of the California Poets in the Schools program. Panels made up of authors of mysteries, journalism, Chick Lit, science fiction, Speaking of Stories readings, multi-cultured literature and several other genres have discussed their works, literature past and present, how publishing works and where will books and reading be in the future.

Until 2005, the Festival operated on nearly all-volunteer efforts, but everyone stretched to the limit. As if Harry Potter had waved his Hogworts wand, Marcia Reed of the Chamber of Commerce stepped in to help with administrative duties and smoothing the way through the incredible details a project like this demands.

Through its history, the Festival has partnered with several organizations, among them the Santa Barbara Public Library. Director Irene Macias currently serves as board president. In 2006, the Book Festival strengthened that bond and moved to the Library and Art Museum grounds on Anapamu Street. It was like coming home, a venue more comfortable and workable. This year, the Festival will also use the County Courthouse and Annex for more panels and readings.

The Book Festival continues to offer our community a time to celebrate the world of books, all for the love of reading and learning.