Come say hi as we table at the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit and Book Fair!

Below is this year’s description!

Next Chapter 2026

Join LA County Library and the City of West Hollywood for the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit & Book Fair, a free daylong celebration of books, storytelling, and belonging. Whether you’re a devoted reader, aspiring writer, or an industry professional, the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit & Book Fair brings together narratives from across Los Angeles County and beyond for an inspiring day of author talks, panel discussions, consultations, and community connection.

Celebrating the Art of the Story

This year’s theme centers on celebrating the art of the story by honoring the timeless power of storytelling to connect people, preserve culture, inspire imagination, and create lasting change. Every story has the ability to open minds, spark meaningful conversations, and help us better understand ourselves and one another. This year’s theme recognizes storytelling as both an art form and a powerful force that shapes communities, challenges perspectives, and builds empathy across generations.
For avid readers, stories offer opportunities to discover new worlds, explore different experiences, and connect with voices that leave a lasting impact. For aspiring writers, every story represents the courage to create, share their truth, and to contribute something meaningful to the literary ecosystem. Whether written through fiction, memoir, poetry, or children’s literature, stories remind us that every voice has value and every experience deserves the opportunity to be heard.

The Next Chapter Writers Summit & Book Fair is committed to uplifting the freedom to read, championing creative expression, and amplifying stories from underrepresented communities. By celebrating authors whose perspectives have too often been overlooked, we create space for richer conversations, broader representation, and a literary future where every reader belongs and can find themselves reflected in the pages of a book.

Join us in celebrating the artists behind the stories, the readers who keep them alive, and the enduring power of books to educate, inspire, and transform lives. Together, we celebrate the art of the story and the voices that shape our next chapter.