Tía Chucha's Centro Cultural has the perfect book for those on your holiday gift list

If you’re still looking for that perfect present for those on your holiday list and you want to support a vibrant cultural center, why not visit—in person or online—Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural in Sylmar?

Tia Chucha's independent bookstore is a social venture which recognizes that books and knowledge must be accessible to communities that reflects their culture, histories, stories and values. The bookstore specializes in providing great books on Xicanx/Latinx history and literature, indigenous knowledge, bilingual children’s books, contemporary and social commentary issues, as well as Spanish-language, queer/LGBTQ, art, poetry, and much more!

Check out the wonderful titles you can give to your family and friends by clicking this link. Or, if you’d rather visit, the address is 13197 Gladstone Ave., Sylmar, CA 91342. The staff is friendly and helpful, and there’s something special about browsing through books before making a choice.

One of the hot titles is Good Morning Aztlán by Louie Pérez who is a master musician and innovative visual artist who has spent the last forty years as a founding member and principal songwriter for the internationally acclaimed group Los Lobos. Working with his songwriting partner, David Hidalgo, Pérez has written more than four hundred songs. Many of those songs, along with previously unpublished poems and short stories as well as paintings, sketches, and photos, are collected in this deeply personal, yet universally appealing volume. The book also features essays by musicians, artists, and scholars who artfully dissect the significance of Pérez’ work. Good Morning, Aztlán is, without question, a different kind of memoir.

Tía Chucha’s began as a café, bookstore and cultural space owned and run by former Los Angeles Poet Laureate Luis J. Rodríguez, his wife Trini Rodríguez, and their brother-in-law Enrique Sánchez. Tía Chucha’s provides year-round on-site and off-site free or low-cost arts and literacy bilingual intergenerational programming in mural painting, music, dance, writing, visual arts, healing arts sessions (such as reiki healing) and healing/talking circles. Workshops and activities also include Mexica ("Aztec") dance, indigenous cosmology/philosophy, and two weekly open mic nights (one in Spanish, the other in English). Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural hosts author readings, film screenings, and art exhibits as well.