The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books 2026, held on April 18–19, 2026 at the University of Southern California campus, once again brought together book lovers, authors, publishers, and creatives for a vibrant celebration of literature. Known as one of the largest literary festivals in the United States, the event featured panel discussions, book signings, live performances, and countless booths filled with stories waiting to be discovered. The atmosphere was lively and inspiring, offering something for every kind of reader.
Citi of Books proudly took part in this year’s festival, connecting with attendees from all walks of life. Their booth became a welcoming space where visitors explored a diverse collection of titles and learned more about the company’s publishing and marketing services. Throughout the two-day event, the team engaged in meaningful conversations with aspiring authors, avid readers, and fellow industry professionals, making the experience both productive and memorable.
The participation of Citi of Books in LATFOB 2026 was a valuable opportunity to showcase their growing catalog and strengthen their presence in the global book community. Being surrounded by passionate storytellers and curious readers allowed the team to gain fresh insights into current literary trends while building new relationships. The energy of the festival reflected the shared love for storytelling, reinforcing Citi of Books’ commitment to helping authors bring their work to a wider audience.
Attending book events like the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books continues to play an important role in connecting stories with readers. It opens doors for collaboration, discovery, and inspiration that go beyond the pages of a book. As Citi of Books carries this momentum forward, readers are invited to explore featured titles in their Book Gallery, including “Discarded Ancestors: At the Intersection of Art and Ancestry” by Elizabeth Leader
Elizabeth Leader is a mixed-media artist, author, and educator based in Buffalo, New York. She holds a BFA from the Massachusetts College of Art and an MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her work has been exhibited widely across the United States and often focuses on found objects, photography, urban decay, and the preservation of overlooked histories.
Her artistic practice combines visual storytelling with archival research, frequently transforming discarded materials into meaningful narratives about memory, place, and identity.
“Discarded Ancestors: At the Intersection of Art and Ancestry” is a mixed-media art and nonfiction work that explores memory, identity, and forgotten family histories through visual storytelling. Created by artist Elizabeth Leader, the book is built around a found family photo album that inspired a larger artistic investigation into the lives of immigrant and working-class families in the American Rust Belt.
This book stands out as a deeply reflective and visually driven work that bridges art and historical memory. It invites readers to reconsider how history is preserved—not only through official records, but also through personal artifacts, photographs, and forgotten belongings. Its strength lies in its emotional and visual storytelling approach, where meaning is built through layers rather than linear explanation. For readers interested in art, genealogy, cultural history, or memory studies, it offers a thoughtful exploration of how identity can be recovered from what society has discarded.
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