Did you know there are Latinas and Latinos in Wisconsin? Of course you did! You will have a chance to read and hear the varied experiences of Latinas and Latinos in Wisconsin at Appleton Public Library.

I Didn’t Know There Were Latinos in Wisconsin: Three Decades of Hispanic Writing, an anthology of essays, poetry, memoirs and fiction by Wisconsin Latina and Latino writers. This book contains over 70 contributions illustrating the rich diversity of Latina and Latino experiences in this state. You will encounter the works of 40 writers who are past and current poet laureates, musicians, academics, activists, law enforcement agents, educators and much more. The collection is tied together by editor and contributor, Oscar Mireles. Mr. Mireles, “a poet of the people,” was named Madison’s first Latino poet laureate for 2016.

We are honored to host editor and contributor Oscar Mireles for a book reading and discussion of I Didn’t Know There Were Latinos in Wisconsin.

Books Build Community is a series of book selections that expand dialogue around community initiatives. I Didn’t Know There Were Latinos in Wisconsin: Three Decades of Hispanic Writing is the first book selection of this series. Books Build Community is made possible by generous grants from the Bemis Company Foundation and Friends of Appleton Public Library.