Recognizing and celebrating the second annual Latin American Book Fair in Philadelphia for its work in highlighting local Latin-American authors, literature, and culture.

WHEREAS, The first ever Latin American Book Fair in Philadelphia was held on October 4, 2019 outside City Hall; and

WHEREAS, Coinciding with National Hispanic Heritage Month, the event was created to highlight local Hispanic authors and connect the community with the rich literary heritage of Latinos; and

WHEREAS, The event came together with collaboration from local Latino non-profit organizations, Acción Colombia, Casa de Venezuela, Centro Cultural Mexicano and Taller Puertorriqueño and sponsors including Madre Tierra, Philatinos Radio, Generation A, Dos Puntos, the Free Library of Philadelphia; and

WHEREAS, A planning committee was also established to organize and promote the event, led by Mariuska Forbes, Raquel Colmenares, Leity Rodriguez-Largo, Noel Aragon, Edgar Ramirez, Arianne Bracho, Ana Omana, and Carmen Febo; and

WHEREAS, New committee members for 2020 include Mary Marques, Jael Conde and Juan Giarrizzo; and

WHEREAS, The open-fair style event was a smashing success, with over

31 Hispanic

authors participating; and

WHEREAS, Attendees were treated to meet and greets with local authors, book and poetry readings, food tastings, and musical performances; and

WHEREAS, This year’s event, in accordance with public health guidelines, will be held virtually from October 15-17; and

WHEREAS, Participating authors for this year’s fair include Roger Santibañez, Azahara Palome, Carlos José Pérez Sámano, Ana Atach, Maya Litwack, Evangelina Sanchez, Herbel Hernando Potes Cortés, and Concha Alborg; and

WHEREAS, The event will kick off with an inauguration and poetry session from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, followed by a children’s session from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Friday, and conclude with book presentations and a cultural session from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday; and

WHEREAS, Those interested in registering for the event are encouraged to visit latinbookfair.com; and

WHEREAS, The free event will be made available to all via Facebook Live streaming; and

WHEREAS, As the nation celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, the Latin Book Fair offers Philadelphians of all ages a gateway into the rich literary traditions, heritage, contributions, and culture of their Latin-American neighbors; and

MIENTRAS, Futuras generaciones podrán disfrutar de lecturas placenteras en una de las lenguas más hermosas que se puede hablar; now, therefore, be it

WHEREAS, Future generations will be able to enjoy pleasant readings in one of the most beautiful languages that can be spoken; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That it hereby recognizes and celebrates the second annual Latin American Book Fair in Philadelphia for its work in highlighting local Latin-American authors, literature, and culture.

FURTHER RESOLVED, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to the Latin Book Fair planning committee, further evidencing the sincere admiration and respect of this legislative body.

End