This event is hosted by PEN's Open Book Committee, held at the central library of the Los Angeles Library system. Also represented at the event is Los Angeles based independent bookstore Eso Won Books, who has a table set up at the event selling some of their books. The moderator Walter Mosley makes opening statements, including reading the manifesto of PEN's Open Book Committee. In part it states: "The one and only purpose of the PEN Open Book Committee is to open the world of publishing to the richness and diversity of the cultures that make up America." Panelists make individual comments about challenges in the publishing industry, specifically regarding the topic of diversity. The panel is made up of Bebe Moore Campbell, Leroy V. Quintana, Marie Dutton Brown, Diane D'Andrade ( Senior Children Books Editor at Harcourt Brace, San Diego), Liz Williams (Marketing Director at Valentine Publishing), Paul Yamazaki (head book buyer at City Lights Bookstore).
