Launch of "Saber es Poder" collection

Thanks to a grant from the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice, and matching funds from the Friends of the Library, an important new collection is available at the Holyoke Public Library.  

Saber es poder: Resources on Puerto Rican and Latinx History, Culture, and Social Movements

Dr. Llana Barber, center, with Kate Kruckemeyer, right

On October 20, 2017, in conjunction with Dr. Llana Barber's presentation about her book Latino City, Friends board member Kate Kruckemeyer announced the arrival of relevant books for this new collection, which is intended to encourage and support Holyoke residents’ understanding of the Puerto Rican experience, and celebrate contributions of Latinx peoples to American culture.

The audience was invited to examine the new books, and to borrow any of interest. Julita was delighted to find a perfect book to share with her grandson.

Click on photo to enlarge

More books will be added in the future. A working group of library staff, academics, and local experts from the public sector are collaborating in developing and promoting the collection. 

For more information, or if you are interested in being involved with the planning for this project, please contact HPLSaber@gmail.com, or speak with Rachel Dowd (413-420-8119) at the Library.

Future community events in connection with this project are being planned. This collection is intended to emphasize historic and ongoing struggles to build community, resist oppression, and create social change, in an effort to inspire library patrons of all backgrounds to engage in building a positive future for Holyoke.