An emotional and joyous “Noche de Cuentos,” event took place during the American Library Association’s 2026 Annual Conference and Sesquicentenary Celebration. As attendees gathered at the Hilton Chicago hotel on Saturday night June 27th, 2026, the event -organized by REFORMA- included an introduction where the association presented their yearly awards. Following the celebration of honorees, it was time for stories!  

Lucia M. González, Mistress of Ceremonies, opened the night by thanking the sponsors of the event, which made it possible to invite celebrated storytellers. These were:

• Bibliotele: the leading Spanish-language streaming platform built exclusively for libraries—public and academic—designed to connect Latino communities.
• Cinco Books: providing culturally relevant books in Spanish, dual language, and bilingual education for children and adults.
• MakeMake: Biblioteca Digital: a platform for digital, interactive, and animated books that offers access to a unique collection of children’s and young adult literature from Latin America.
• Spanish Publishers LLC: the leading provider of Spanish titles to libraries nationwide.
• Vista Higher Learning: developing print and digital solutions that meet the needs of all language learners.

After reminding the audience of the value of storytelling events in libraries and the power of oral tradition, Lucia introduced Nestor Gómez, a storyteller local to Chicago, who moved the audience from laughs to tears with stories inspired in his personal life, which reflected the nuanced and complex story of those who seek a better life in a new country, generational relationships and conflicts, and also the joys and support received from our “familia.”

A standing ovation followed Nestor’s stories, which helped prepare the audience for some standing and sitting coming in the next segment. Irania Macias followed and warned the audience that they would need to participate. Yes, participate! Sometimes it was clapping or making gestures at the right time, but also you could be chosen to represent la “chivita” or “el lobo”! Accompanied by the group Criss Cross Mango Sauce, she began by telling stories, but also led the public in singing, chanting, and dancing some steps with a Latin American list of stories and songs.

Closing the night with rhythm and much enjoyment, the organizers exhorted the audience to present storytelling events in their libraries and to apply for Noche de Cuentos grants that help make these possible. See you at the next Conference!