What began as a petition calling for more Hispanic and Latino representation in the mid-90s is now a full-service resource center in a prominent space in San Antonio's iconic Central Library.
The Latino Collection features Spanish and English language editions of more than 10,000 books and printed materials. Local creatives who have served as cultural ambassadors for San Antonio – like Texas Poet Laureates Carmen Tafolla, Laurie Ann Guerrero and Texas Medal of Arts honoree John Phillip Santos – have supported the collection over the years.
Previously housed in a cramped section on Central Library's sixth floor, the collection was recently moved to a prominent area on the first floor. The 6,000-square-foot expansion was built using almost $500,000 of privately funded donations and contributions from the City of San Antonio, and includes a writer's workshop, study areas, an art gallery and space for lectures and community events.
How will the Latino Collection and Resource Center serve the community? How should we preserve Latino and Hispanic literature and other art forms? What can we gain by maintaining this cultural and educational resource?
Guests:
- Ramiro Salazar, director of the San Antonio Public Library
- Emma Hernandez, coordinator of the Latino Collection
- John Phillip Santos, Rhodes Scholar and distinguished senior lecturer at the University of Texas at San Antonio
This is a community conversation and we want to hear from you. Leave a voicemail with your questions and comments in advance by calling 210-615-8982. During the live show (12 - 1 p.m.), call 210-614-8980, email thesource@tpr.org or tweet at @TPRSource.
