Tonight's soiree is sort of like any other festival after-party — except it starts at dinnertime and the VIP list is all … writers. A benefit for the L.A. Public Library's Young Literati (a smart and stylish group of super-supportive book lovers), the Book Drop BASH combines reading, mingling, music and cocktails in celebration of the L.A. Times Festival of Books, which is happening all weekend over at the USC campus. The festival's authors are invited to head downtown to the Bash for free as guests of honor for this event — and if the usual formula of writers-plus–open bars holds true, that should be most of them. The Young Literati organizes intimate appearances and conversations throughout the year with some of today's most exciting authors — the majority of them living and working right here in town. Crew favorites Joshuah Bearman, Aimee Bender, Wanda Coleman, Miranda July, Josh Kun, Michael Silverblatt, Jerry Stahl, Louise Steinman, Kenneth Turan and David Ulin are among the honorary benefit hosts from the local literary firmament. But the real stars of the night are the books. The hallmark of this event is the epic book swap, in which guests come laden with selections from their personal libraries to donate, plus empty bags to tote home any new treasures. The balance is donated to the cause via the shelves of the library's bookstore. Los Angeles Central Library, 630 W. Fifth St., dwntwn.; Sat., April 20, 8:30 p.m.; $35 for members; purchase a membership this week for $250 and get two free tickets. (213)228-7326, lfla.org.

Sat., April 20, 8:30 p.m., 2013

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