Welcome to the Letras Latinas
Library

Want a book in Spanish or Portuguese?

Want to read a book in English from a Hispanic writer?

Come to the Letras Latinas Library! We have over 6000 titles in Spanish, Portuguese and English. Ranging from history, cultural studies to magic realism, mystery and fiction.

Maintaining and sharing our written culture

With a collection of over 1,400 books dedicated to children and adolescents, our library offers something for every reader. We house an extensive selection of universal literature, classics, and works from Hispanic American authors, continuously expanding our catalog with new titles. In addition to books, we keep our community informed about the latest developments in literature and film through our Facebook groups, Letras Latinas and Cinematografía Latina, where members can share news, opinions, and recommendations.

Our History

Founded in 2006 as a project of ALAC Inc., the Letras Latinas Library was established to preserve Spanish and Portuguese languages while sharing our rich cultural heritage with the New Zealand community. As the first community library of its kind in Aotearoa, Letras Latinas has grown into a vibrant hub for literature and cultural exchange.

Operating from the basement of ALAC Inc.'s office in Onehunga, our library continuously expands its extensive collection, showcasing classics, contemporary works, and new titles. In 2014, we launched the Letras Latinas Publishing House, which published notable works such as Toccata to the Public & Other Poems by Chilean-American poet E.A Espinoza and introduced a bilingual short story competition. In 2016, we released Twelve Heaven/Twelve Heavens, a trilingual anthology featuring the voices of eight Māori poets. In 2018, we celebrated diverse narratives with "Viva la Vida", a collection of stories and poems by 18 writers, prefaced by Dr. Walescka Pino-Ojeda and dedicated to Patricia Dávila (a founding member of ALAC Inc) and a pioneer of New Zealand’s suffrage movement.

To further promote literature and cultural dialogue, we have established book clubs across New Zealand, including "Tertulia Literaria " Hawke’s Bay, the Literary Gathering of Wellington, and the Book Club of New Plymouth, offering regular opportunities for readers to connect and engage.

At Letras Latinas, we believe that books are a powerful vehicle for uniting communities and celebrating our culture. Join us in exploring the world of literature!

How to Access the Library?

Becoming a member of Letras Latinas is simple and accessible, whether you're in Auckland or anywhere else in New Zealand. You can visit us in person at our library, located in the basement of ALAC Inc.'s office in Onehunga

For those who cannot visit face-to-face, membership is also available online or by contacting us via email at biblioteca.letraslatinas@gmail.com We offer a convenient mail service for borrowing and returning books, making it easy and economical to enjoy our collection.

Join us and explore a world of literature and cultural heritage, no matter where you are!