The nation’s largest public literary festival drew 140,000 people and over 400 authors last year.

The April 30 - May 1 Weekend Celebration is moving to USC University Park in order to draw more people, officials said.

The free Festival of Books brings exhibitors, booksellers, publishers, literacy and cultural organizations together with poets, authors of every genre and readers together for readings, book signings, intimate Q&A’s,
comedy, children’s activities and more.

The Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California made the announcement today,

“After 15 years on the Westside, we are very excited to move the Festival of Books to its beautiful new home and have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with USC to ensure we grow bigger and better in the future,’ said Times Publisher Eddy Hartenstein in a press release. “Attendees and exhibitors can expect more to see, do and experience in addition to great access and a refreshing change of scenery.”

“We are thrilled that the Festival has a new home here,” said C. L. Max Nikias, president of USC, in a press release. “The Times Festival of Books is known for sparking just the kind of intellectual curiosity and energy that are at the heart of USC’s mission. The Festival is a great fit for our world-class faculty authors and writing programs, as well as for our literacy work in the community. USC and the Los Angeles Times are two of the oldest institutions in Los Angeles, and it's fitting that we would be joining together for this event that is so important to the intellectual life of Southern California."

The move allows for increased attendance due to USC’s central location, proximity to public transportation, abundant parking and newly enhanced campus facilities, the release said. The Festival of Books was previously held on UCLA’s campus in Westwood.