The much-loved literary event for young adult fiction enthusiasts, the Pasadena Loves YA Festival, has been abruptly cancelled this year. The Pasadena Public Library announced that the closure of the Central Library for seismic retrofitting has forced the beloved festival to come to a halt, disappointing a significant number of YA fiction fans and authors alike. The library's need for structural upgrades has inadvertently pulled the plug on a cultural gathering that brought together a community from across the state and beyond.
Traditionally a vibrant hub for teens and adults, the festival was a showcase of literary passions spanning a spectrum of ages, where attendees could meet their cherished authors, get their books signed, and take part in a "Book Blitz" giveaway. According to a statement obtained by the Pasadena Public Library, last year's event attendance numbers had proven to steadily climb, as the allure of YA literature drew visitors from as far to reach as Utah and Arizona, signifying not merely an event but a yearly pilgrimage for many. With the Central Library's doors shuttered, the festival's sprawling array of talks and signings that normally decked out the auditorium and meeting spaces, finds itself without a home and, as a result, on an indefinite pause.
Senior Librarian and Festival Organizer Jane Gov highlighted the uniqueness of their event, stating, "I often hear from authors who are participating that they really like the intimacy of our event (and also the organization)." Past festivals have featured a roster of notable authors like Nicole Yoon, Frank Beddor, and Patrick Ness, shaping up the festival to be more than just a communal space—it was a sanctuary of aspirational ideals. Dreams were palpably within reach here, such as for author Jessica Parra, who once was an attendee herself, fostering hopes of someday returning as a published writer.
The library made it clear that the logistical difficulty posed by the Central Library's ongoing construction project made it impossible to simply relocate the festival to smaller branches. The Pasadena Loves YA Festival had grown to rely on the Central Library's extensive facilities to gather and celebrate stories and voices that spanned the depth of human experience. The festival will remain dormant until further notice, leaving a conspicuous silence in its wake. For more details on the Central Library Retrofit and Building Repairs Project, the public is directed to visit the Pasadena Public Library's announcement page.
