The Latino Collection was created in 1996 after a group of concerned citizens petitioned the library board of trustees for the creation of a collection that would speak to the San Antonio Hispanic and Latino community. However, the Collection was a hidden gem on Central Library’s sixth floor and lacked a dedicated area to host public programs related to topics of Latinidad.

The Latino Collection and Resource Center’s prominent placement on Central Library’s first floor and dedicated program space has increased the Collection’s in-house use and impact through culturally relevant programs. LCRC programs are specifically curated to highlight Latinx voices and present diverse programs year-round. In a city where over 65% of community members identify as Latinx, engaging this demographic is vital.

Within its first year of service, the LCRC drew over 2,200 attendees at 63 public programs geared toward Latinx audiences of all ages. In-house use of the Collection has increased by 228% after relocating to its prominent location on Central Library’s first floor. Since entering its second year of service, the LCRC has drawn over 3,400 attendees to events such as Lucha Libre matches, Lowrider shows, a Selena Quintanilla birthday party, embroidery workshops, Nahuatl classes, author talks and more.