Unfortunately, in today’s world, maintaining the public’s thirst for reading requires a significant amount of effort. Dallas people are no longer drawn to crowded libraries and colorful bookstores. However, there are still literature enthusiasts in the city who organize thematic gatherings and meet like-minded people. The Dallas Literary Festival is one of the city’s events that bring together book lovers. Learn more at dallaski.
History and purpose of the Dallas Literary Festival
The idea to start a new literary festival in the city arose in 1975 at Southern Methodist University. Even then, professors were concerned that future generations would abandon books entirely, as enthusiasm for reading and writing was fading before their eyes. Until the end of the 1990s, citizens paid little attention to the festival, which was attended by little more than 30 people. However, the professors of the educational institution worked tirelessly for years to create the festival’s entertainment program, and they eventually succeeded in making it interesting for Dallas residents.
Initially, the festival took place solely within the walls of Southern Methodist University. As its territory became too small, it was decided to spend part of the program in the Fair Park entertainment complex. Every year, hundreds of writers visit the Dallas-Fort Worth Metropolitan Area to communicate with the residents. They are happy to read their greatest works, engage in informal conversations and give them books. Meanwhile, book lovers prepare interesting speeches for authors, demonstrating their knowledge of both classical and modern literature.
Festival program after the coronavirus pandemic and performances by prominent guests
The program of the Dallas Literary Festival underwent the most significant adjustments after the lengthy quarantine due to coronavirus. During those years, Nikole Hannah-Jones was the event’s main guest. She started bringing up the topic of reading at a tough period for society. Among the locals, she is renowned as a talented writer, a Pulitzer Prize winner (in 2020) and founder of the platform The 1619 Project. Since 2021, the festival’s main theme has been resilience. The event organizers connect each performance with the idea that literature has been a lifesaver for many people during the period of self-isolation. Thanks to the books, we were able to improve our intellectual abilities while at home. The increase in the number of e-books purchased provides additional evidence that the demand for literature increased significantly following the pandemic. Dallas citizens have become more interested in finding and purchasing online bestsellers at discounted prices.
Other topics that gained popularity at the Dallas Literary Festival after 2021 were stories about Native Americans and the struggles of Dallas-native black females. Raymond Carver, John Cheever, Louise Erdrich, June Jordan, Kurt Vonnegut and many other writers are thought to have delivered the most memorable speeches on these issues.
Dallas book lovers also recall with fondness their meetings with those involved in literary pursuits. For instance, in 2022, journalist Jelani Cobb spoke at the event. In his speech, he discussed not only the state of literature but also the evolution of modern journalism in the United States of America. Following that, the memoirist Javier Zamora continued the festival program by reading his spine-chilling stories to the townspeople.
In general, the Dallas Literary Festival has something to offer for both adult and young audiences. The organizers ensure that the next generation is also interested in literature. A few weeks before the start of festive activities and meetings, you can get acquainted with the schedule and select the most interesting events for yourself.