Luis Bahena
City Times

With its first year a success, City College hosts its second annual San Diego City College International Book Fair on Oct. 5 and 6.

The book fair was introduced last year, drawing approximately 2,500 people. Initially inspired by the Miami Dade International Book Fair, it was City College President Terrance Burgess who pushed for the idea.

More than a year in planning, this year’s book fair is filled with a plethora of booksellers, vendors, writers, artist, performers and food.

City College will host famous authors such as Quincy Troupe, named the first official Poet Laureate of the state of California, and Denise Chavez, who will give a special workshop for Puente students in the district.

Other authors attending the event include Amiri Baraka, Oakley Hall, Rebecca Solnit, Daniel Reveles, David Bacon, Mel Freilicher, Adrian Arancibia and San Diego State University photography teacher Kim Stringfellow.

Music will also be a part of the book fair with presentations from cellist Zoâ Keating, who has accompanied Grammy-nominated artist Imogen Heap, and jazz musicians The Gilbert Castellanos Quartet with special guest Charles McPherson.

According to the book fair’s Web site, the event’s primary goal is to promote local writers and booksellers, as well as to reach out to international artists and authors.

The book fair will be held in the Saville Theatre on Oct. 5 and 6. Admission is free. For more information, visit the book fair’s Web site at www.sdcitybookfair.com.