Pura Belpre became New York City’s first Latina librarian back in 1921. She made such an impact that the American Library Association named the highest honor for young adult writers and illustrators of Latino descent after her – the Pura Belpre Medal. There is a beautiful sample of her readings in this audio report.

Reporter Alexandra Starr talked about Belpre with Marilisa Jimenez researcher for Puerto Rican studies at Hunter College, and visited La Casa Azul (The Blue House), the bookstore in East Harlem where Aurora Cerda held a tribute to Belpre’s life.

Listen to Ms. Belpre's voice and the complete report here.