City of Los Angeles is Guest at Guadalajara Book Fair
LAPL's Gomez to address librarians
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 11/23/2009
- Los Angeles is first city to be recognized by FIL
- Gomez to present LAPL's best practices
- Librarian presence grows at largest Spanish-language book fair
This year’s Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL), taking place November 28-December 6, will focus on Los Angeles and feature the achievements of the Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL).
LAPL director Martin Gomez will address the International Librarians Colloquium on November 30, sharing the 73-branch system’s best practices. Guadalajara is Mexico's second-largest city.
First time a city is honored
This year, for the first time, FIL, selected a city—Los Angeles—rather than a country or region to serve as guest of honor. Gomez will speak about LAPL’s challenges and successes in serving a diverse population of more than four million, including new children’s and teen programs. Gomez also will talk about LAPL's recently completed library infrastructure project.
According to Gómez, "Participating in the fair gives LAPL an extraordinary opportunity to learn about enhancing library service to its growing community of Spanish speakers, broaden its knowledge of Latin American authors, and network with other American librarians."
In addition to showcasing LAPL, the city’s accomplishments in performing, visual, and literary arts will be highlighted. Gómez is part of a delegation from Los Angeles that includes Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Cultural Affairs Department Executive Director Olga Garay, musician Poncho Sanchez and bands Los Lobos and Ozomatli. Literary figures include authors Ray Bradbury, Richard Rodriguez, and David Ulin.Librarians embrace FIL
FIL, now in its 23rd year, is considered the most important event for the world’s Spanish-language book market, and with more than 600,000 participants, it is the largest book fair in the world after the Frankfurt Book Fair.
Librarians have become a growing presence, as LJ has reported, in part because of the longstanding "Free Pass" program. FIL since 1998 has partnered with the American Library Association to sponsor U.S. librarian attendance, offering free registration, accommodations for three nights, and $100 toward airfare.
