Greetings ARLIS/NA, Texas-Mexico chapter members. As you all know, this year we are holding our annual chapter meeting in conjunction with the Guadalajara International Book Fair. I hope to see as many of you there. I know that you will find the fair and the city enlightening and exciting. If you don’t know Guadalajara or the book fair, let me tell you one of my unique stories. Once there, I know you will come away with your own special memories and favorites.

The venue is LARGE, and you will see books and meet book vendors from all over the world. Take the time to visit the Latin America and Caribbean vendor aisles. Last year, Cuba had several booths, and you will have the opportunity to purchase library material, as well as unique gifts you will never see in the States. Last year I bought a T-shirt with the Andy Warhol /Che Guevara prints screen printed on it. Because the photographer (Alberto Korda), who took that famous picture of Che, lived and died in Cuba, never receiving remuneration (not even from Andy), for what became an incredibly lucrative (to others) popular culture, iconic image… buying it from the Cubans just made perfect sense. It was a unique opportunity.

Each year, a country is honored at the book fair. This year, Italy is the country to be highlighted. I can only imagine the fabulous art books that the Italian vendors will showcase. It seems like a perfect venue for art librarians. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Regards,

Selene