In 1943 the Hispanic Division established the Archive of Hispanic Literature on Tape (AHLOT). The Archive contains the recordings
of more than 640 authors from Spain and Portugal, as well as Latin America, the Caribbean, and those who live in the United
States. These authors usually read from their works and often comment on their lives and the sources for their writings.
The Hispanic Division is the only place where researchers can consult these recordings. The basic finding aid for recordings
from 1943 to 1972 is The Archive of Hispanic Literature on Tape: A Descriptive Guide, by Francisco Aguilera and Georgette Magassy Dorn (Washington: Library of Congress, 1974; Z1609.L7 U54 1974). The researcher
seeking information about more recent readings can find it by accessing the Hispanic Division's online summary and listing.
The archive includes recordings of such Latinas as
Chilean-born novelist Isabel Allende (b. 1942)
playwright and novelist Denise Chávez (b. 1948)
poet and novelist Ana Castillo (b. 1954)
Among Cuban American women recorded are
the historian and sociologist Lydia Cabrera (1899-1991)
novelist and playwright Julieta Campos (b. 1932)
psychologist Lourdes Casal (1938-1981)
literary magazine editor Belkis Cuza Malé (b. 1942)
biographer and children's writer Hilda Perera Díaz (b. 1926)
poet Juana Rosa Pita (b. 1939)
feminist poet and critic Eliana Rivero (b. 1940)
Prominent women from Puerto Rico include
novelist Rosario Ferré (b. 1938)
professor and writer of children's literature Ester Feliciano Mendoza (b. 1917)
poet and essayist Laura Gallego (b. 1924)
poet Violeta López Suria (b. 1926)
scholar and poet Concha Meléndez (1895-1983)
folklorist and poet Marigloria Palma (pseudonym of Gloria María Pagan Ferrer, b. 1921)
lawyer and literary critic Nilita Vientós Gastón (1903-1989)
short story writer and poet Carmelina Vizcarrondo de Quiñones (1906-1983)
On October 16, 1995, Chicana poet Sandra Cisneros (b. 1954) recorded her work for the Archive of Recorded Poetry and Literature,
maintained by the Library's Poetry Office (RWD 6205 <Rec Sound>).
SAMPLE LCSH: Authors, Cuban—20th century—Interviews; Mexican American authors—20th century—Interviews. Also searchable by the name of recorded author.
