MADISON, WI -- In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Madison Public Library will host a Spanish-Language Book Fair on Saturday, September 16 from 9:30AM-2PM. The event is designed to highlight the Library’s Spanish-language collection for adults and children.

“In the last 5 years, members of the library’s Collection Management Team have participated twice in the Feria Internacional del Libro in Guadalajara, Mexico to source books for our libraries,” said Holly Storck-Post, a Children’s Collection Librarian for Madison Public Library, and one of the librarians who traveled to the book fair. “This is the largest book fair in the Americas and the second-largest in the world, with publishers representing Spanish-speaking countries from around the world. Because we prioritize buying books written by and for Spanish-speakers, we knew we had to attend this book fair!"

The mini feria will provide everyone the opportunity to put their hands on these incredible materials and get familiar with the library’s collection, including Spanish-language board and picture books, as well as books for older kids, teens and adults in Spanish. In addition to browsing the Spanish collection, attendees will have the chance to get signed up for a library card, learn more about programs and resources at the library for Spanish speakers, and attend a Spanish storytime. Snacks and light refreshments will be offered throughout the event. The Mexican Consulate will also be there for a special presentation and to donate a copy of the Mexican Dictionary of Spanish to the library’s collection.

“There are a large and growing number of dual-language, bilingual and Spanish-language readers in our community and they are looking for different types of Spanish materials– translations, bilingual, and authentic titles by Latinx authors and illustrators from around the world,” said Tammy Ocampo, Madison Public Library’s Youth Services Manager and one of the staff members who traveled to Guadalajara. “The Feria Internacional del Libro provides us the opportunity to get the best of the best materials that exist in the world and bring them here to Madison.”

Attendees of all ages are also invited to participate in the Bubbler’s community-wide portrait-making project, Our Town Everywhere, in the Pinney Library Studio. Community members create their own self-portrait using uniquely crafted stamps and when they submit their portrait for the project, they’re given a print of someone else’s portrait from the community. Local Spanish-speaking artists will facilitate this session of the Our Town Everywhere project.

“We want people to see themselves at the library, in our collections and in our programming - in this case, literally!” said Pinney Library Youth Services Librarian, Tracy Moore. “This portrait project felt like a natural extension of what we’re trying to do with this event. We hope this gives people a chance to see themselves and their culture reflected authentically here at the library.”

There will also be opportunities for attendees to provide feedback and suggestions about new items to add to the collection and Spanish-language programming they’d like to see happen at the library.

Schedule of events (subject to change)

• 9:30AM - 2PM Book Fair open
• 9:30-11:30AM Our Town Everywhere
• 10:00AM Opening remarks, followed by the presentation of the Mexican Spanish Dictionary (DEM), by the Consulate of Mexico in Milwaukee. A copy of the DEM will be donated by the Colegio de México (COLMEX) to the library and will be available to the public at our facilities.
• 10:45AM Spanish Storytime

This event is free and open to the public - all are welcome to attend. Learn more online at madpl.org/miniferia

The event is made possible through the support of the Roots & Wings Foundation.

About Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library’s tradition of promoting education, literacy and community involvement has enriched the City of Madison for more than 145 years. Visit the library online at www.madisonpubliclibrary.org, madisonpubliclibrary on Facebook, @madisonlibrary on Twitter, or @madisonpubliclibrary on Instagram.