On August 31, Casa Camino Real Bookstore and the Border Servant Corps hosted an event dedicated to books and culture, Celebrando Las Ámericas: A Family Fiesta, at Peace Lutheran Church in Las Cruces, N.M. Proceeds from the fundraiser—which featured readings, music, and more—benefited the work of the Border Servant Corps, including Libros Para el Viaje/Books for the Journey, which provides free books for refugee families, with the support of Casa Camino Real and the American Booksellers Association. Books have been donated by more than 40 bookstores across the U.S., Latin America, and New Zealand, as well as by the Children’s Book Council and several book publishers and students. We’ve gathered a selection of photos from the event. All photos by Carol Blaschka and Daniel Zolinsky.
Chinese-Peruvian author and storyteller Adalucía Quan read from her picture book Río de Colores (River of Colors) (Cholita).
After Quan’s reading, attendees created a river mural inspired by Río de Colores.
A pop-up book sale ran all day, featuring children’s literature in English and Spanish, along with bilingual titles in a variety of genres. Vintage records, and selected Latin American art and jewelry, were also available.
Casa Camino Real recently launched a fundraising drive to purchase a “libromobile” to facilitate book distributions to refugee families. To date, $1,000 has been raised of the $15,000 needed to buy and renovate the bookmobile.
Festivalgoers, including Pastor Jared Carson and his family, seen here, played Lotería (Mexican bingo) and other games. There were snacks and book prizes for all.
Musicians Otilio and Leticia Ruíz performed as part of “An American Dialogue: Latin American Ballads, Cumbia and Nueva Canción.”
