Cartoneras, Cochineal, and a Dress of Poetry: Hispanic Heritage Unfolds at the Library
A mini book made from recycled cardboard may not sound revolutionary, but in Latin America, cartoneras are a creative lifeline—handcrafted books born from economic necessity and artistic ingenuity. At the Library of Congress, Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off with hands-on workshops inspired by these vibrant, community-made books, inviting families to try their hand at the tradition.
Beyond bookmaking, the celebration spotlights Otra piel para otra entraña, a poetic dress that transforms fabric into living literature. Visitors can contribute to a collaborative version, then see the original garment on display—a reminder that art and identity often intertwine in unexpected ways.
Staff from the Hispanic Reading Room share treasures from across Latin America, from DIY publishing to ancient artifacts and rare recordings. These collections reveal how creativity thrives under constraint, and how stories—whether bound in cardboard or stitched into a dress—carry the pulse of a culture.
In every handmade page and mural, history refuses to stay silent, inviting new voices to join the chorus.
#HispanicHeritage #CartoneraBooks #LibraryOfCongress #Culture
