October 1, 2007 Library of Congress Celebrates 400 Years of Hispanic Poetry in the United States on Oct. 18

Spanish literature in the United States can be traced back to the early days of Spanish settlements in the Southwest. To celebrate the rich history and contemporary creativity of Spanish-language literature, the Hispanic Division of the Library of Congress presents four Hispanic writers who will read from their work on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Mary Pickford Theater, third floor of the James Madison Building, 101 Independence Ave., S.E, Washington, D.C.

The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are necessary. A reception will follow the program.

Noted Peruvian poet, prose writer and playwright Isaac Goldemberg is distinguished professor of humanities at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York. He is the author of more than 10 works, including “Hombre de Paso” (1981), “La Vida son los ríos” (2005) and “El gran libro de América judía” (1998).

Nicaraguan poet, novelist and literary critic Conny Palacios of the University of Miami is the author of “Percepción del absurdo” (1999) and “Pluralidad de mascaras” (1996). She is a member of the Nicaraguan Academy of the Language.

Rei Berroa, born in the Dominican Republic, is a poet, critic and professor of Spanish and Caribbean literature at George Mason University. He is the author of eight books, including “Libro de fragmentos” (1989) and “En el reino de la ausencia” (1979).

Argentine poet Luis Alberto Ambroggio will moderate the readings. He is the author of nine books of poetry, including “Habitante del poeta” (2001) and “Poemas desterrados” (1995). In 2004, he received the Spanish Television Award for poems on solitude.

The Hispanic Division, established in 1939, is the Library’s center for the study of the cultures and societies of Latin America, the Caribbean, the Iberian Peninsula and other areas where Spanish and Portuguese influence have been significant. The collections, believed to be the most extensive of their kind, comprise more than 12 million items, including books, prints, photographs, recordings, maps and retrospective holdings of government serials and other periodicals. For further information about the Hispanic Division, visit www.loc.gov/rr/hispanic/.