El Corazón de Tejas

Central Texas Chapter of REFORMA

Meeting Notes

November 22, 2008

Cepeda Branch Library

Present:  Don Bos, Bob Cárdenas, Melinda Curry, Mary Donley, Spencer Lilley, Tom Moran, Loriene Roy, Gustavo Soto, Eric Travis

Items Discussed

  March for Justice – An event (mentioned on the National Reforma listserve) to be held January 21, 2009 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.  The chapter voted to endorse the event.  Discussion of disapproval of U.S./Mexico border fence. 

Camila Alire's Visit  — Don explained background work on the visit. Tom confirmed that the Austin Public Library will escort Camila Alire.  Loriene will help.  Plans so far:

Thursday, Feb. 12 – Arrival, meet with UT librarians and iSchool people, reception at the Benson Library.

Friday, Feb. 13 – In-service with AISD librarians.  Loriene can introduce Camila there. 

(A half-day, state-mandated session on English language learners will be held for AISD librarians during the afternoon of February 13.)

The ALA would be happy with media coverage and photos of the Camila Alire event.  Don will contact the Texas Library Association and Univisión. 

Other Media Events — Gustavo announced NPR's Public Reading Day on Friday, November 28.  Loriene put in a plug to vote for Ethiopia Reads on CNN Heroes.

Día de los Niños / Día de los Libros Event at the MACC – The November 5 meeting involving Don, Maribel, Gustavo, Paola, Elva, Simon Ortiz, and Mary Ann Lambert was postponed until December 1.  The purpose of the meeting is to discuss a possible book fair in conjunction with Día de los Niïos / Día de los Libros in April

(Gustavo mentioned that he would like to do a Capstone for the iSchool involving a book fair.)

Future Fundraiser Involving Writers, Authors, Artists & Chapter Members — We discussed ideas for an event where chapter members could donate food, there would be entertainment in the way of music, art, and literature, and where the public would pay to attend.  Meeting place ideas included the Austin History Center or the Carver Library.  We could ask Cinco Puntos Press and La Resistencia Bookstore for help.  Authors mentioned were Joe Hayes, Carmen Tafolla, David Rice, Cynthia Leitich-Smith, and Jennifer Ziegler. 

Funds raised could be used for book fair costs and/or stipends for students to attend conferences sponsored by the Texas Library Association, Reforma, or Librarians of Color. 

Announcements

1.  Sandra Cisneros at the Paramount – The Austin Public Library will present Sandra Cisneros March 22 or 23, 2009, celebrating the 25th anniversary of House on Mango Street.  Reforma could have an information table at the event.  Tom will send details as the date draws nearer. 

2.  NABE Conference in Austin February 18-21 — Again, this would be a good opportunity for Reforma to vounteer or have a booth with our banner and informational materials.

3.  Metz Elementary School Visit to Tomás Rivera Award Ceremony – Don reported on the very successful field trip taken October 30.  He may become an official reader for a future contest.

4.  PBS Series on Native Americans "We Shall Remain" – Loriene announced this five-episode series to be aired in April.  A wonderful library event kit with a good bibliography of resources is available online or through Loriene.

5.  Austin Public Library Exhibit "Images of Valor: U.S. Latinos and Latinas of World War II" – A photographic exhibit on display now at the Terrazas Branch.  There will be a special program on Monday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. featuring Maggie Rivas-Rodríguez, Gloria Espitia, and Joe Bernal.

6.  Chapter Party – Tentative plans for a party at Margo's house in January or February.  Membership forms will be available.