The vibrant spirit of the Latino community comes alive at the fifth annual Latin American Book Fair in Philadelphia (LABF). This annual celebration, organized by a dedicated team of community leaders, has become a staple event during Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month. We invite readers, writers, poets, art lovers, and the general public to join us for these exciting programs:

The Latin American Book Fair Kickoff and Exhibition Art Reception: Celebrating Heritage, Language, and Culture
Friday, October 13, 2023, 1–4 p.m.
Heim Center for Civic and Cultural Engagement at Parkway Central Library

Under the theme of "Celebrating Heritage, Language, and Culture," this free event aims to bring together individuals of all ages, including authors, writers, illustrators, designers, and the broader Philadelphia community. We want to highlight the power of sharing our stories and histories through reading. The Latin American Book Fair's mission is to contribute to education and personal growth, building on the positive impact of early reading habits. This event seeks to ignite a passion for literature across all generations because the representation of different voices in literature matters!

Meet Our Guest Honor Country: Peru!

This year, we are delighted to showcase Peru as our guest honor country! Peru, located in South America, boasts a rich cultural heritage with Spanish as its official language. Additionally, Peru is home to at least 84 indigenous languages, such as Quechua and Aymara. During the opening reception, the community organization Peruvian Americans Together Here (PATHERE) will present an exhibition entitled "Traditional Regional Peruvian Dresses." The public will have the opportunity to explore the typical dresses from the Coast, Andean, and Jungle Regions of this beautiful country.

Salvador Pereira, Peruvian artist, along with the librarians, Mary Marques (left) and Suzanna Urminska (right).

Art Meets Expression: "Micro/Macro: Cosmos"
Friday, October 13, 2023 – Tuesday, October 31, 2023
Parkway Central Library

At the Latin American Book Fair's opening reception at the Heim Center at Parkway Library, you'll have the opportunity to witness the official debut of "Micro/Macro: Cosmos," a captivating and innovative art exhibition featuring Salvador Pereira and more. This progressive installation, presented in collaboration with the Latin American Book Fair, invites viewers to delve into the artistic process. It explores the creative reuse, bold graphic artistry, and generative expression that come together to form a public display meant to be both expansive and intimate. The multilingual multimedia work on display is ephemeral, created by and for the community (comunidad), using familiar elements that have been reworked to inspire and provoke inquiry and learning.

Peruvian poet Roger Santiváñez will be present at the Fifth Latin American Book Fair.

A Collaborative Celebration: The Book Fair at Taller Puertorriqueño
Saturday, October 14, 2023, 11–5 p.m.
"El Corazón Cultural del Barrio," Taller Puertorriqueño
2600 N. 5th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19133

During the past five years, the book fair was presented in different locations such as the City Hall Courtyard, virtually during one year because of the COVID-19 health emergency, and last year at the multicultural heart of Love Park. This year 2023, in celebration of the fifth anniversary, the Latin American Book Fair in partnership with Taller Puertorriqueño is a testament to the collaborative efforts of community organizations, media partners, and volunteers to bring to the public this literacy event. Together, we strive to make this annual program a resounding success.

The committee leaders of this community-led project invite all Philadelphians to participate in the two-day programs: the opening reception at the Heim Center at Parkway Library, and the book fair at "El Corazón Cultural del Barrio," Taller Puertorriqueño. Join us to celebrate our shared histories.

For additional information, please visit www.latinbookfair.com or follow Instagram or Facebook for event updates.

¡Viva el mes de la herencia hispana! ¡Los esperamos!