WORDS / CENTRAL ARKANSAS LIBRARY SYSTEM

The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) will present a new limited event four-program speaking series, in partnership with the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock. This program, called Literary Bridges (Puentes Literarios Arkansas-Mexico), will be bilingual and offers a look at Hispanic authors and publishers and their unique stories. The line up includes: Dina Cisneros on April 6, Dr. Tony Zavaleta on May 4, Carlos Cisneros on June 1 and Talia and Mariela Pedraza on July 6.

“For many years Mexico and the United States have enjoyed a very close relationship: either political, economic, or historical, that have allowed each country and, by extension, its citizens to share the essence of culture, through its people and its institutions,” said Rodolfo Quilantá Arenas, Mexican Consul from Little Rock.

“The relationship can be said to be getting stronger in every way and today, with the collaboration between the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock and the Central Arkansas Library System, we have demonstrated that the bridges are not just political or economic, they are also ethnic and educational. They are figurative bridges that, regardless of borders and language, allow us to display, exchange, and better understand the cultural and literary wealth of each country, showing that education will forever make us better citizens regardless of our race, color, or language.”

Each program offers a diverse look at the arts from a Hispanic standpoint. Dina Cisneros will discuss her book about finding displeasure with her traditional career and moving into the arts. Dr. Zavaleta will discuss the discourse that led to what is now known as the celebration Cinco De Mayo. Carlos Cisneros, a lawyer turned author will discuss his award-winning books. And the Pedraza sisters will explore the publishing industry while discussing their digital magazine.

“We’re excited to be able to work with the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock to offer this kind of educational opportunity to our Hispanic population,” added CALS Executive Director Nate Coulter. “We anticipate developing more multicultural programs as we continue to expand our community outreach.”

Este programa es parte de Literary Bridges/Puentes Literarios Arkansas-México, una colaboración entre el Sistema de Bibliotecas de Arkansas Central y el Consulado de México en Little Rock para fomentar el intercambio cultural y bilingüe entre nuestros usuarios.