REFORMA Events at ALA Conference

Learning Times Two - REFORMA President's Program

Every day the demand for children’s bilingual (English/Spanish) books grows as more children in the United States learn Spanish as their first or second language. Books written and illustrated by Latinos/as are important for all children, but also essential to Latino families and the schools and libraries serving them.

How do bilingual books strengthen families, foster empathy, and improve school performance? What are the current barriers to more wide spread publication and use?

Join award-winning authors Monica Brown, René Colato Laínez, Christina Diaz Gonzalez, Angela Dominguez, and Meg Medina as they discuss the importance of creating and promoting Latino bilingual books for children and youth.

Saturday, June 25

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

HYATT Regency Orlando, Room Manatee Springs I

Noche De Cuentos

Enjoy an enchanting evening of performances celebrating the power of storytelling to unite communities. Noche features local voices to national audiences as well as performances by nationally famed storytellers and authors. This NOCHE event will announce an art auction of original art and the prominent Latino children's books illustrators donating their work in support of the 20th Anniversary celebration of the Pura Belpre Award. Enjoy the stories, enjoy the art!

Saturday, June 25

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM

HYATT Regency Orlando, Room Bayhill 21

From Vietnam to Syria: Refugees, Their Stories, and Needs 

(co-sponsored by APALA, IRRT, IFLA and REFORMA)

During the Vietnam War, thousands of refugees fled the fighting and political violence in Southeast Asia and came to the United States. Some of these refugees settled in Orlando, establishing what today is the largest Asian population in the region. At the APALA President’s Program, co-sponsored by IRRT, IFLA, and REFORMA, Vietnamese Americans will tell their stories about fleeing the violence for a new life and librarians will share their programs and strategies for helping today's refugees. Many parallels can be drawn between the refugee crisis during the Vietnam War and the current crisis in the Middle East. Join us to discuss what role libraries can play in aiding the millions of refugees and unaccompanied refugee children in their time of need.

Saturday, June 25

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Orange County Convention Center, Room W103B