NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Tulane University will welcome the return of authors from around the globe and readers to the region's biggest literary festival from March 27 to March 29. "Meeting people, meeting readers. I'm always excited to meet readers," said author and English professor Bernice McFad den. Meeting the folks who read their books is at the crux of why so many of the country's top authors head to New Orleans annually for the New Orleans Book Festival. McFadden's latest work is the acclaimed non-fiction "First Born Girls," the story of her family. Perfect score for Jefferson Parish high school senior "I've always been writing about family, and I've always been writing about my myself under the guise of fiction, so it wasn't a big stretch but now I had to go deeper and be transparent and say this is my life," said McFadden. Executive Director and Co-chair Cheryl Landrieu says the 2025 edition is bigger than ever. "We've got close to 200 participants, about 150 of them are authors and then other people have written books as well but they're coming to talk to the authors so it's about 200 participants, over 90 sessions," said Landrieu. Remarkable Women Finalist: Melissa Sawyer There is also a family day, as well as great music and your chance to buy the work of the great authors you see. Since this is New Orleans, there will be cooking demonstrations as well as translation, a good time for everyone. "It's just so exciting to see the interest that people have in coming to New Orleans, the interest that they have in talking about their books and then the community's interest in coming to listen and to participate and join in the fun," said Landrieu. For more information, visit the festival website. Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter. Latest Posts Republicans push to ban junk food purchases with SNAP benefits Missing US soldiers in Lithuania killed: NATO chief Two dozen Kohl's stores to shutter this weekend: Here's where Car enthusiasts in Louisiana invited to Red River Street Rod Reunion Car Show Vance to accompany wife to Greenland amid backlash ...read more read less