The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books is coming to our neighborhood and we're all invited.

One of Southern California’s most cherished and engaging weekend celebrations kicks off its 16th storied year in a new home on USC’s University Park campus April 30 and May 1.

Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions.

What is the Festival of Books?

The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books brings together the people who create books with the people who love to read them. The festival attracts more than 140,000 book lovers each year.

Who attends the Festival?

People of all ages from across Southern California and even other parts of the country. The festival is a free public event, and includes exciting author events, storytelling, cooking demonstrations and poetry readings. The Festival of Books also includes nearly 300 exhibitor booths representing booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations.

Who exhibits?

Booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations sell and promote books and book-related merchandise and distribute related information. Many of the independent booksellers participating in the festival represent the diverse ethnic and cultural communities of Los Angeles and sell books of different languages and genres.

How can I exhibit?

If you are interested in exhibiting at the 2011 Festival of Books to be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1, 2011, please contact IMG at 866-790-5813 or FOBexhibitorinfo@imgworld.com.

How do authors participate?

The Festival Author Committee invites selected authors to participate in readings and panel discussions. Writers who wish to be considered for the Festival of Books are asked to click here to download a copy of the programming application.

Please complete the application and fax it back to (213) 237-2335 or mail to: Festival of Books Author Submissions, Los Angeles Times, Event Programming Submissions, 202 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. You may include press clips, reviews and a bio (please DO NOT SEND COPIES OF THE BOOKS).

How can I volunteer for next year’s festival?

The success of the festival is largely due to the contributions of its volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering for the 2011 Festival, please call (213) 237-6503 and leave your name and address, or apply online at http://www.troutco.com/fob/. If you have volunteered in the past, please note your prior assignment and indicate if you would like to work in that area again.

Why is the Festival of Books changing locations?

Central location – USC’s downtown location provides a centrally-located venue for the event, thus making the festival easily-accessible for a greater number of people.

Access to public transportation – The USC campus is served by several public-transportation routes and options. Specific public transportation routes will be posted to our website as the Festival draws near.

Opportunity for expansion – The USC campus will offer us more usable space, allowing the festival a greater variety of programming options for guests and exhibitors.

Diversity – Festival of Books’ new home enables our guests to experience the diversity of Los Angeles.

Will discussions/panels still be free?

Like years past, panel tickets will be free but a service fee will be charged.

Writing Workshops, pre-sale panel passes and special programming will – also as in years past – have a cost associated.

Will limited-capacity events still be ticketed?

Yes. Ticketing for these events will be similar to past FOB, with tickets available in advance through an online ticketing service.

Will there still be a charge to park?

Yes, there will be a $10.00 parking charge at USC. This is the same as last year and the USC campus will provide a greater variety of parking options and more spaces.

Can the size of the USC campus handle the event?

Yes. USC will more than accommodate the crowds that have traditionally visited the Festival and, importantly, allow for an increase in the audience we can accommodate. Our planning team has taken every aspect of the event into consideration to make sure a great Festival experience can be expected at USC.

Is the campus A.D.A. compliant?

Yes.

Is the USC campus a safe environment?

USC’s campus has been consistently rated in among the Top-10 safest college campuses in the United States and has a fully dedicated public safety department.

On 9/15, USC was the very first university in the world to be declared a “Safe Community” by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center.

Will I still be able to enjoy my favorite Festival of Books stages and areas?

Yes. Although they may be formatted differently, the Festival of Books will include Children’s Stage, Cooking Stage, Y.A. Stage, Los Angeles Times Stage, Poetry Stage, Etc. Stage, as well as the Los Angeles Times Pavilion and Hero Complex areas. In addition, we are working to offer some additional programming and attractions.

Why did the date move away from the last full weekend in April?

The 2011 Festival of Books date was moved to accommodate the Easter holiday. The Festival of Books will return to the last full weekend in April for 2012.