SJSU’s Celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month
Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – The Role of Libraries and Librarians Serving Latino and Spanish-Speaking Communities

Webcast Kenny Garcia Leanny Munoz Rebecca Hernandez

Join us for Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future – The Role of Libraries and Librarians Serving Latino and Spanish-Speaking Communities, a Hispanic Heritage Month program exploring how libraries uplift, preserve, and inspire Latino and Spanish-speaking communities.

This event will highlight the historical role of libraries in supporting cultural identity, the development of inclusive collections, and the creation of programs that reflect the diverse experiences of Latino populations. Discussions will also look ahead, examining how libraries can continue to serve as catalysts for community engagement, digital access, and lifelong learning.

Through keynote insights and a panel conversation, participants will gain inspiration and strategies to strengthen library services, celebrate cultural heritage, and support future generations.

Agenda

Welcome and Introduction 

  • Dr. Anthony Chow, SJSU iSchool Director
  • Ady Huertas, REFORMA President

Keynote Panel: “Honoring Collective Heritage: Libraries as Catalysts for Latino and Spanish-Speaking Communities” with REFORMA presidents, moderated by Loida Garcia-Febo

  •  Ady Huertas, REFORMA President, president@reforma.org
  •  Edwin Rodarte, REFORMA Vice President, erodarte@lapl.org
  •  Kenny Garcia, REFORMA Past President kengarcia@csumb.edu 

Panel Discussion: “Librarians’ Role in Supporting Latino and Spanish-Speaking Communities,” moderated by Loida Garcia-Febo

  • Madeline Pena, Los Angeles Public Library, REFORMA National Past President – mpena@lapl.org
  • Leanny Munoz, PhD Candidate at UC Davis. She was a mentor of mine along with other first-generation students. She has done extensive work in the Hispanic community. munoz.leanny@gmail.com https://arts.ucdavis.edu/leannymunoz 
  • Erica Esqueda, School Librarian, MJH Librarian at Mission CISD, Texas erica.esqueda@mcisd.org 
  • Rebecca Hernandez, Diversity Resident Librarian at UC Davis. SJSU iSchool Alum, rnhernandez@ucdavis.edu  https://library.ucdavis.edu/person/rebecca-hernandez/ 

Closing Remarks by Loida Garcia-Febo and Anthony Chow