State Library Selects Book on Arizona's First Latino Governor for Library of Congress Book Festival

PHOENIX -The Arizona State Library’s Center for the Book proudly announces the inclusion of “Raulito: The First Latino Governor of Arizona” in the prestigious Great Reads from Great Places list for this year’s National Book Festival, hosted by the Library of Congress. This bilingual flip-book, authored by Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford, captures the remarkable journey of Arizona’s inaugural Latino Governor, Raúl "Raulito" Castro. The 23rd annual Library of Congress National Book Festival took place on August 12 in Washington, D.C.

The Arizona State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State, is dedicated to promoting literacy, literature, and cultural heritage across the state. With the support of federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the State Library made copies of “Raulito” available for libraries, ensuring that more Arizonans can access this inspiring work.

Secretary of State Adrian Fontes expressed his delight in this selection, stating, "As a native of Nogales, Arizona, I have long held Governor Raúl Castro in high regard. This bilingual book not only pays tribute to Governor Castro's enduring legacy but also commemorates the depth and diversity of Arizona's culture and history. By making it accessible within our libraries, we guarantee that his story will serve as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come."

 About “Raulito: The First Latino Governor of Arizona”

“Raulito: The First Latino Governor of Arizona” offers readers a bilingual journey through the life and achievements of Raúl Castro, a trailblazing figure in Arizona's political history. Written by award-winning author Roni Capin Rivera-Ashford, the book serves as a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Arizona and its diverse communities.

The State Library also selected “Rim to River: Looking into the Heart of Arizona” by Tom Zoellner for the Library of Congress National Book Festival’s adult category.

For more information about “Raulito,” “Rim to River,” and the Arizona State Library’s Center for the Book, please contact Donna Throckmorton at [email protected], or visit https://azlibrary.gov/libdev/arizona-center-book.