UA’s SLIS to Host National Latino Children’s Literature Conference

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s School of Library and Information Studies will host the National Latino Children’s Literature Conference March 29-30.

The conference will feature eight award-winning Latino authors and illustrators from across the United States, some of whom are also highly recognized researchers in the fields of education and English. Conference organizer Jamie Naidoo, an assistant professor in the School of Library and Information Studies, said past attendees have been from outside Alabama, but this year a greater number of Alabama librarians are attending.

“I believe that this conference is very important given the current political climate in Alabama,” Naidoo said. “The entire nation thinks that everyone is racist toward Latinos. I want to challenge this notion and show that there are those of us who are advocates for equality and who welcome Latino children and their families to the state.”

The conference will partner with the Tuscaloosa Public Library March 29 to host the Noche de Cuentos/Evening of Stories event, which celebrates “Dia de los Ninos/El Dia de los Libros” (Children’s Day/Book Day) by bringing award-winning Latino children’s literature authors and illustrators to the library for storytelling and story reading. Children who attend will receive free books signed by their respective author.

For more information, visit the National Latino Children’s Literature Conference website.