Los Angeles, Calif. – These days there are hits and misses – And the 4th Annual Leimert Park Book Fair was a hit.  Thousands of visitors browsed rows of vendor tables, meeting authors and celebrities such as Louis Gossett Jr. and Kim Wayans.

The famed intersection of 43rd Street and Degnan Boulevard of Leimert Park Village in Southwest Los Angeles was buzzing with activities on Saturday, June 26th, as the 4th annual Leimert Park Book Fair once again kicked off the summer season in the center of the African-American community arts scene in Los Angeles.

This annual event was free of charge to visitors who turned out in numbers.  More than 150 authors, poets, spoken word performers, artists, local newspapers, panel discussions and celebrities participated in the day’s activities.

“People are looking for the best kind of events that are FREE,” said Los Angeles 8th District Councilmember Bernard C. Parks.  “We are pleased to see everyone here.”  “The purpose of bringing these events is for you to walk into the stores, restaurants and the vendors that are on the parking lot, to ensure that they get an opportunity to stay in business.”

Author Walter Gordon said he wanted to be at the book fair.  “I grew up in this community and I wanted to bring my book out and expose it while meeting other Writers, as well as the people interaction,” he said.  Gordon is the author of “Nat Turner”, a non-fiction book about Nat Turner insurrection.

Another author Roland Jefferson whose most recent novel is “White Coat Fever” said, “I thought I would come out today and just relax and interface with the other authors and people who like to read good books.”  “I heard about the book fair through Facebook and My Space and articles from the local newspapers.

Jefferson further stated, “Having a book fair in Leimert Park is excellent for the community.”  “If you are going to have a fair that takes into account the cultural area, then you have to be in this neighborhood.”

Meanwhile another vendor, who requested anonymity said, “The organizers have done very well with creating a family-friendly event in Leimert Park.”

In addition to the festivities, US Postal Service Post Master of Los Angeles, Mark Anderson, unveiled a 44-cent stamp with Councilmember Bernard Parks, honoring Oscar Micheaux, who made over 40 films in the early 1900’s when it was difficult for people of color to make films.

The book fair was founded in 2007 by Cynthia E. Exum and Associates in partnership with Los Angeles Councilmember Bernard C. Parks, whose district includes the southwest Los Angeles neighborhood and in association with the Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs and Eso Won books.

Leimert Village is home to Eso Won Bookstore – Eso Won is African for “water over rocks”. The bookstore provides a reservoir of knowledge for both the African and African American experience, as well as any other topic you may wish to find.  It is also the location of Ackee Bamboo Jamaican Cuisine – A quaint establishment, friendly environment with authentic Jamaican food; As well as the famous Lucy Florence Coffee and Cultural Center hosting an array of talent, art and music.