LIKE us on Facebook! Learning about Latin America at the New Orleans Public Library
Check out our new virtual story time at the New Orleans Public Library
In 2004 the Stone Center for Latin American Studies at Tulane University and the New Orleans Public Library established the Pebbles Center to enhance the learning and understanding of Latin America by offering resources and opportunities to experience the rich diversity of the Américas and its peoples. The Pebbles Center has been housed within the Children’s Resource Center at 913 Napoleon Avenue. Since its inauguration, the Center has acquired thousands of bilingual, English and Spanish language children’s books and films about Latin America and the Caribbean.
Ten years later, the Pebbles Center expanded the collection to reach the growing community on the Westbank, at the Algiers Regional Library. There are now two locations that house the Pebbles collection and host bilingual programs. Today, the New Orleans Public Library's collections can be checked out through any branch within the city. The Center holds all Americas Award winners (a national award of the Consortium of Latin American Studies Programs, coordinated by the Stone Center for Latin American Studies in collaboration with the Center for Latin American and Caribbean and Latinx Studies at Vanderbilt University along with the Pura Belpre award winners.
This collaborative project is an important resource for families to learn about and engage with Latin America while supporting language learning for all ages. Check the library website for upcoming bilingual programming.
Please contact us at crcrts@tulane.edu if you wish to volunteer or would like more information. You can also find us on facebook to subscribe to all the latest events and resource materials available to learn about Latin America.
Uptown Location
The Children’s Resource Center Library 913 Napoleon Avenue 70115 Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 8:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
You can call the branch directly at 504.596.2628
Westbank Location
Algiers Regional Library 3014 Holiday Drive 70131 Hours:
- Monday – Thursday 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
You can call the branch directly at 504.596.2641
Annual Events
Read Across the Americas Summer Program at the Children’s Resource Center
Join us every Wednesday at 10:30 am at the Algiers Regional Branch and every first and third Saturday at 10:30 am at the Children’s Resource Center for a bilingual storytime for kids ages 2 – 10. The program is part of an initiative between Tulane University’s Stone Center for Latin American Studies and the New Orleans Public Library called the Pebbles Center. This summer we will explore the environment and diverse geography of Latin America. Bring your favorite jungle animal and be prepared to learn some Spanish as we embark on an adventure through the Americas. This program provides a reading list of recommended titles for all ages to explore Latin America on your own this summer. If you read all books, you will be eligible for a special award offered during Hispanic Heritage month at the annual Celebración Latina held at the Audubon Zoo.
Celebración Latina
Every fall during Hispanic Heritage month (September 15 – October 15) The Stone Center for Latin American Studies, The Pebbles Center, and The Audubon Zoo sponsor a Latin inspired family festival located in the zoo. This festival began in 2004 in order to celebrate Latin America within the community through reading together and celebration. This year’s festival will be on Sunday October 6, 2019 at the Audubon Zoo. See you there!
Check out pictures from past Celebraciones
DIA/Día del Libro
El Día de los niños/El dia de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
El 30 de abril es una fecha muy significativa para los ninos. Se celebra el dia de los ninos y de los libros. Esta celebración se conoce como El día de los ninos/ El dia de los libros, y celebra la alegría y las maravillas de la infancia y la importancia de los libros en nuestra vida.
Para una lista con la dirreción de todas las bibliotecas, por favor visite la Página de web de la biblioteca pública de la Nueva Orleans.
Special Visiting Artists
On occasion, The Pebbles Center invites Latin American artists, musicians, and authors to do special programming. We have had the honor of hosting José Luis Orozco, Jorge Argueta, Antonio Sacre, and the legendary puppet troupe from Mexico, Saltimbanqui. View photos from these events here.
List of materials available at the Pebbles Center
View photos of the Pebbles Center Inauguration
To learn more about children’s stories about Latin America and Latino culture, please check out Cuentos de las Americas
Check our Facebook page for more up-to-date information.
