Attendees to the National REFORMA Conference VIII in Long Beach, California, had no doubts about walking a few blocks from the hotel to experience an energizing Night of Stories! The event took place on September 19th, 2025, as part of the Conference events, at the Altar Society Brewery. It consisted of a “Noche de Cuentos” followed by a game of millennial Lotería.

Master storyteller Lucia M. Gonzalez was the Mistress of Ceremonies, first introducing Irania Macias who opened the night with interactive stories and music. One of her stories paid tribute to storyteller Antonio Sacre, who followed her act with his own stories full of nostalgia and humor. Closing the night, Yosimar Reyes recited his own poems, in which he shared the humanity of shared experiences.

REFORMA strives to provide a storytelling event at every national conference, and this year’s in Long Beach was one to remember! By sharing their stories, Latine librarians and library workers said “PRESENTE” in Long Beach, and in the U.S., in 2025.