Latino Collection and Resource Center

Upcoming Events

Check out our upcoming Latino Collection & Resource Center programming and events on our regularly updated calendar! (click link):  https://www.mysapl.org/Services/Collections/Latino-Collection#188282845-programs--activities

Latine Literati: An Afternoon with Jonathan Fletcher & Eddie Vega - 2/8/25

On this date, the LCRC debuted and celebrated the release of local poet Jonathan Fletcher's chapbook titled, This Is My Body. Jonathan is the winner of Northwestern University Press's Drinking Gourd Chapbook Poetry Prize 2023. Jonathan and San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega both read from their latest releases and engaged in a discussion examining race, ethnicity, ancestry, community, identity and the body. Discussion was followed by a Q&A with audience members.

Voices of San Anto: A Series of Bilingual Storytelling Workshops - sponsored by Gemini Ink & presented by Marisela Barrera

For three consecutive weekends (January 18, 25 & February 1, 2025), the LCRC hosted, Voices of San Anto: A Series of Bilingual Storytelling Workshops in collaboration with Gemini Ink and presented by Marisela Barrera. During the first two sessions, Marisela guided attendees in crafting their stories and fine tuned performance techniques. The final session celebrated a public performance of the attendees' stories which was recorded and archived by frequent LCRC collaborators at Empower House.

Mixed Media Memory Collage Art Workshop presented by Raíz Infinita - 1/14/25

This workshop allowed space to create mixed media collage art in honor of a loved one. Participants were encouraged to choose and place their loved ones in spaces they never imagined they could occupy. Attendees transcended the traditional aesthetic of honoring their loved ones through typical photos and allowed themselves to imagine and use numerous sensory expressions. Presented by Elizabeth Rodriguez of Raíz Infinita.

Remembering La Matanza - 1/11/25

The LCRC kicked off 2025 programming by collaborating with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute (MACRI) & Monte Video to bring a public screening of two films that document the history of racial violence along the Texas/Mexico border. The two films screened were titled Porvenir, TX & They Call Us Sediciosos. After the screenings, Porvenir, TX producer Christina Fernandez engaged in a discussion with Texas Public Radio's, Marian Navarro, followed by a Q&A with audience members.

Porvenir, TX producer Christina Fernandez (Left) & Texas Public Radio's Marian Navarro (right)

TransLanguage Poetic Pleasures - presented by Alejandra Sánchez Alanís

This workshop took place on December 14, 2024 and explored creative expression through translanguaging (using multiple languages to communicate). Alejandra focused on the benefits of bilingualism for mental flexibility, connecting with inner energy for creativity, and using sensory experiences to spark writing. Participants used bilingual prompts to write about themes like feeling at home in one's body, personal sacred spaces, intuition and the senses.

Explorations of Home: A Panel on the Latinx Diaspora in Poetry - presented by Gemini Ink in partnership with Library of America - 12/3/24

This event featured a panel of diverse poets who represent the breadth of the Latinx diaspora. Discussion explored the facets and multiplicities of what home is: from ancestry and linguistics to shifting borders and generational wounds. Poets present included Laurie Ann Guerrero, Rod Carlos Rodriguez, Jasminne Mendez & Ire'ne Lara Silva. Discussion was moderated by Dr. Carmen Tafolla. 

From left to right: Ire'ne Lara Silva, Rod Carlos Rodriguez & Dr. Carmen Tafolla

Bookbinding Metamorphosis - 11/12/24

Bookbinding Metamorphosis was presented by Diana Lizette Rodriguez and was a three hour intensive, experimental workshop focused on the abilities of change and transformation through forms, shape and self. During this meditative and informative workshop, Diana provided creative exercises to make art within the space and helped folks understand the importance of the artist book and self publishing.

III Feria del Libro en Español de la UNAM San Antonio at Central Library - 11/9/24

The LCRC joined forces with Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) - San Antonio to celebrate their third and final day of the 2024 Feria del LIbro (book fair) at Central Library. The book fair featured a diversity of literary talents within the Latino community and served as a platform for these authors to showcase their works, connect with readers, and engage in meaningful discussions about language, culture and identity. Attendees had the opportunity to attend book readings, panel discussions, book signings and workshops that focused on the creative process, inspiration behind the works, and the challenges and triumphs of Latino authors writing in Spanish in the U.S.

¡En Vivo desde San Anto! - June 2024- October 2024

•  The LCRC partnered with educator and DJ, Bonnie Cisneros aka DJ Despeinada, to bring a multidisciplinary program to our library patrons. Over the course of three summer (2024) sessions, Bonnie (creator of this program), and a curated list of presenters (Marisela Barrera, Rebel Mariposa, Juan Miguel Ramos & Mauro de la Tierra), helped attendees explore their San Antonio specific music memories. Attendees explored preserving these memories through art, performance, and documentation, which then manifested into the creation of an archival zine that we released at the performance night. This program is a wonderful example of incorporating use of the materials in the Latino Collection and our Texana department for research purposes. This was a hands-on opportunity to teach folks how to research in the library and the importance of preserving regional culture and history.
• On October 19, 2024, we held an ‘after library hours’ event on the 3^rd floor terrace where we presented our work with family and friends, offering up botanas and aguas frescas. Workshop attendees had the opportunity to perform, taking inspiration from their written submissions and memories that are preserved in the zine.

• Photo on the left is from our third workshop session art session guided by Mauro de la Tierra, participants holding up their painted masks. Photo on the right features Carlos Sanchez de la Garza on guitar, accompanying Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto  at our performance night.

Talleres de Son Jarocho - 10/3/24 - 10/5/24

• The LCRC presented its first music workshop in collaboration with Colectiva Son Queers (a Son Jarocho collective). The three day workshop was led by Barbie Hurtado and Ana la Tejana. Attendees explored the history and culture of the song, music and dance style. Jaranas (musical instrument) were provided for the attendees to practice with, as well as tarimas (raised wooden platforms used as dance floor with percussive resonance) to learn how to dance on.

Author Talks/Pláticas
The LCRC hosted various author talk during Hispanic Heritage Month 2024:

- Jesse Mancíaz/Xam'le Kuiz - National Book Launch for From Here To There And Back Again

- San Antonio Poet Laureate Eddie Vega - Somos Nopales

- Juan Tejeda - Mi Carnal Frank

Bajo la Sal, gallery exhibit by Mauro de la Tierra & Joshua Anthony Rodriguez - 8/3/24 - 9/14/24

August 3, 2024, the LCRC sponsored Central Library's main gallery exhibit titled, Bajo la Sal. City of San Antonio artist grantees, artist Mauro de la Tierra and photographer Joshua Anthony Rodriguez collaborated with the Latino Collection & Resource Center and San Antonio Public Library to showcase their project which highlighted 30 individuals in the San Antonio community. Each individual had their portrait taken by Joshua, which then evolved into a surreal portrait painted by Mauro. The project resulted in the creation of an accompanying exhibit book, which was released at the closing reception on September 14. The closing reception featured an artist talk, moderated by Texas Public Radio's Kayla Padilla. Watch the closing reception artist talk in full here: Bajo La Sal panel discussion - posted by Texas Public Radio                          

            Mauro de la Tierra & Joshua Anthony Rodriguez                   Joshua, Dr. Tomás Ybarra-Frausto & Mauro - opening reception

                 Accompanying exhibit book - Bajo la Sal

                                               Texas Public Radio's Kayla Padilla, Joshua & Mauro at closing reception/artist talk