Libros for Oregon
Collections Connect Communities
Please note: current events have pushed out the 2020 application date. Applications will go live soon.
Please watch for announcements to the library listservs.
Images by: Deborah Gitlitz, FIL 2016 - 2018 and Kathy Street 2018
Libros for Oregon (LfO) began in 2016 as an LSTA grant-supported project, and in 2018 became a committee of the Oregon Library Association’s REFORMA Oregon Round Table. LfO's purpose is to support Spanish-language collection development in Oregon libraries -- particularly in small and rural libraries -- by:
1) Making the resources of the Guadalajara Book Fair more accessible through cooperative book-buying; and
2) Aiding participating libraries in the development and implementation of outreach plans for connecting with their Latino and Spanish-speaking communities.
We invite you to explore our website or contact us to learn more about how Libros for Oregon strives to improve access for Spanish-speaking Oregonians statewide to high quality, culturally relevant collections.
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WHAT DOES LIBROS FOR OREGON DO?
Libros for Oregon (LfO) helps Oregon public and school libraries buy books from the Guadalajara Book Fair (or FIL), the largest Spanish-language book fair in the world.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any public or school library in the state of Oregon can apply to participate. Small and rural libraries are particularly encouraged to apply. Do it! It’s easy!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Eight libraries are selected annually from applicants. 2-4 volunteers (including at least one seasoned FIL traveler and one newbie) travel to the Fair in November to buy books for that year’s cohort, using participating libraries’ own selection budgets and criteria. Libraries are invoiced after books are shipped.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Each participating library chips in $200, which (along with ALA-FIL stipends) typically covers the full costs of the designated travelers.
REALLY? ONLY $200?
To participate in the consortium: yes! (To buy materials, you authorize LfO to spend $500-$2000 of your existing selection budget.)
HOW DOES MY LIBRARY APPLY TO PARTICIPATE?
Application guidance can be found on our Apply page. Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.
WHAT’S THE TIMELINE TO APPLY AND PARTICIPATE?
Here is the timeline for participants.
DO YOU HAVE TO SPEAK SPANISH (OR HAVE SPANISH-SPEAKING STAFF) TO PARTICIPATE?
No.
WE’D LIKE TO PARTICIPATE, BUT WE CAN’T SEND ANYONE TO GUADALAJARA. IS THAT OKAY?
Yes.
BUT DOES IT REALLY WORK IF WE DON’T SPEAK SPANISH?
Yes. Although if you do send staff to Guadalajara, speaking Spanish will be an advantage to them in general navigation and in selection.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
You’ve got the gist. Have a look through our FAQ and the Application Instructions & Information for more details.
I STILL HAVE QUESTIONS!
Please contact us with any other questions!
