LA County Library’s first-ever Next Chapter Writers’ Summit will take place on Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 10 am to 6:30 pm at West Hollywood Library, West Hollywood Park, and the West Hollywood Aquatic Center. The free summit celebrates storytelling, belonging, and diverse voices with a full day of panels, workshops, resources for creators, and community connection.

This year’s theme, Celebrating LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC Voices, highlights the importance of inclusive perspectives in literature at a time when the freedom to read is increasingly challenged. The summit features highly anticipated author talks alongside a robust schedule of programming designed to inspire readers, writers, and publishing professionals.

Main Stage Highlights

• Adam Silvera Live on Stage (1:45 pm – 2:30 pm, West Hollywood Park)
  Adam Silvera, #1 New York Times bestselling author of They Both Die at the End, joins LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick for They Both Talk on Stage, an engaging conversation on storytelling and young adult literature.
• We Were Always Here: A Conversation with Jacqueline Woodson and Justin Torres (4:30 pm – 5:30 pm, West Hollywood Park)
  Two of today’s most acclaimed voices come together for an intimate discussion about literature, identity, and legacy.
  • Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award winner for Brown Girl Dreaming, former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, and MacArthur Fellow.
  • Justin Torres, 2023 National Book Award winner for Blackouts and author of the bestselling We the Animals, adapted into a feature film.

Special Experiences

• Power Hour: Fuel Up and Relax — At 3 pm, guests who check in at a panel or library tables starting at 1 pm will receive a free boxed lunch to enjoy during the afternoon sessions.
• Giveaways Throughout the Day — Attendees will have a chance to win a Kindle, wellness gift baskets, gift cards, signed books from featured authors, and THREE exclusive Labubu collectibles just for teens.
• Teen Perks — Teens who register for Jen Wang’s Graphic Novel Workshop will receive art supplies to keep, plus a pizza lunch while watching Adam Silvera’s author talk.
• Activation Wall — Throughout the day, guests can contribute to an interactive wall by sharing their thoughts on stories that need to be heard, creating a collective reflection on the importance of diverse voices.

Event Schedule

• 10 am – 10:45 am
  Under the Bookfluence: How BookTok Shapes Our Shelves — Alexandria Juarez, Taylor Capozzola
  From Pitch to Print: Insider Tips from Publishing Pros — Eddie Gamarra, Jordan Hamessley, Erinn Pascal, Melanie Figueroa
• 11:15 am – 12 pm
  Making Something Out of Nothing: A Literary Fiction Panel — E.P. Tuazon, Esinam Bediako
  It’s Not Easier Than Adult Fiction: A Panel on YA Fiction — Jen Wang, Abdi Nazemian, Livia Blackburne
• 12:30 pm – 1:15 pm
  Library Tools for Creators: Resources for Writers & Book Influencers — LA County Library Staff
  Stories That Draw You In: A Graphic Novel Workshop for Teens — Jen Wang
• 1:45 pm – 2:30 pm
  I Remember It This Way: A Panel on Memoir — Michelle Tea, Julia Lee, Meredith Maran
  They Both Talk on Stage — Adam Silvera, Dr. Skye Patrick
  From Final Draft to Festival: A Screenwriters’ Panel — Christopher Guerrero, Michelle Denise Jackson, Halle Mariner
• 2:45 pm – 4 pm
  Resources & Music — DJ Moni
  Book Signing — All Authors
• 3 pm – 3:45 pm
  Knowing the Tropes: A Genre Fiction Panel — Aimee Lim, Edward Underhill
• 4 pm – 4:30 pm
  Writing Contest Announcement — LA County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and LA County Library Director Dr. Skye Patrick
• 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
  We Were Always Here: A Conversation with Jacqueline Woodson and Justin Torres — Jacqueline Woodson, Justin Torres, Dr. Skye Patrick
• 5:45 pm – 6:30 pm
  Celebration & Book Signings — Jacqueline Woodson, Justin Torres

Registration and Information

Visit the Next Chapter Writers’ Summit webpage.