Latin American Branch: A City Jewel . . .
Originally appeared in the 10/95 issue of "Off the Shelf"
Situated in the heart of Oakland's Latino American community, just below Foothill Boulevard on Fruitvale Street, is La Biblioteca Latinoamerica - the Latin American Library. It is located in the Spanish Speaking Unity Council building, along with other agencies which serve the Spanish speaking community. Established in 1966, it was one of the first public libraries in the country developed to provide vital and direct services for Spanish speaking people who come to Oakland from countries around the world. It provides important library services, information and materials in Spanish and English available to the entire Oakland community.
You don't have to speak Spanish to utilize the Latin American Branch. Among the treasures to be found there is a collection of historical and classical literature from many Spanish speaking countries, juvenile and adult books, border stories, gay and lesbian literature, audio tapes, music and videos in both English and Spanish. The collection also includes 27 Spanish language magazines and periodicals, auto repair and technical manuals, reference dictionaries, encyclopedias and other materials in Spanish and English. There is also a very unique Study Print Collection containing over 150 sets of prints, illustrations, photos and posters on far ranging subjects.
The English Language Collection contains materials for children and adults on subjects of current popular interest and informational needs of the community. Non-fiction materials include books about Chicanos and Latinos in the United States, books on Mexican, Latin American, Caribbean, and Black history and culture. Fiction materials include current best sellers, English translations of important Spanish language literature and poetry, English language classics, and other popular genre fiction.
Each year, the senior librarian and resident historian, Toni Bissessar, makes a trip to Guadalajara, Mexico, to purchase from the widest selection of worldwide Spanish language material available.
The Spanish Collection emphasizes Hispanic culture and history, including materials about Mexico, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Spain. There are materials of general reading interest and translations of popular English language works. Fiction materials include English language novels translated into Spanish, recent novels published in Spain and South America, Fofonovelas and other genre fiction published in the Spanish speaking world.
The Latin American Library is a branch of the Oakland Public Library. It wasn't always. The first library of its kind in the nation, it opened its doors in 1966 and was funded through a Latin Studies grant from 1965 - 1973. It didn't become a fully funded and integral part of the Oakland Public Library system until 1974. The bilingual staff provides services and referrals to the entire community.
The total dedication and administrative commitment on the part of the staff distinguish this branch. Through various cultural programs and festivities, the library promotes a positive image in the community and fosters education and good will. The Latin American Branch revived the Posadas celebration, a popular and traditional Latino Christmas celebration. Story hours are offered in both Spanish and English. Toni Bissessar, Senior Librarian, holds children and adults rapt in her spell of stories. The staff visits schools and community groups to conduct presentations on services and library materials. Latin American Branch provides a year round reading club, El Circulo Juvenil, to encourage young Spanish readers to use the library and to continue reading in Spanish.
Make a new discovery. Run, do not walk, to the Latin American Branch, where you will be greeted by a friendly, well informed and welcoming staff. Experience another reason why Oakland is a unique and diverse community which offers unique and specialized library services to all its community members.
-- Laura Courtney-Gutterson
(Please note that this story may not reflect current staff assignments at this branch.)
Since this article appeared, Latin American has changed its name to the Cesar E. Chavez Branch. The push for this change came from the Friends group for this branch.