Author Xavier Garza Celebrates Lucha Libre at MLS Libraries

He’s been dead for nearly 25 years yet he remains a greater people’s hero in his native Mexico than Benito Juarez, Julio Cesar Chavez and Carlos Slim combined. 

He’s El Santo, El Enmascarado de Plata ("Santo, the Silver-Masked Man"), the most famous of the luchadores—the masked wrestlers of Mexico—and you can learn more about him from Xavier Garza, author of the book “Lucha Libre – The Man in the Silver Mask” at your neighborhood Metropolitan Library System library from July 23-27. 

Garza’s book is for young children who are fascinated with the gaudy colors in the costumes and the split-second action of the luchadores, as well as for anyone who is caught up in the ongoing morality play that is lucha libre.

In the book, young Carlito accompanies his Papa Lupe to his first wrestling match in Mexico City.  He’s disappointed when his Uncle Rodolfo fails to meet them at the arena until he gets a close look at the great El Santo and realizes where he’s seen those eyes and that smile before.

El Santo was the nom-de-wrestle of Rodolfo Guzmán Huerta, who was the hero of the lucha libre ring for almost 50 years in addition to being a movie star.  Like the Lone Ranger, he never removed his mask—until a couple of days before his death in 1984.

In celebration of Hispanic culture, artist and author Xavier Garza will also read from his books "Creepy Creatures and other Cucuys" and "Juan and the Chupacabras."  Follow the author as he tells these incredible tales of masked heroes and creepy crawlers that go bump in the night.

“Told to us as children,” he said, “these tales are rich in storytelling tradition.”

Xavier Garza is scheduled to perform readings from his books at the following libraries:

Monday, July 23, 2007:

Ralph Ellison Library, 2000 NE 23rd, 9:30am-10:10am, and10:30am-11:10am 

Capitol Hill Library—Will be held at the Oklahoma Opry — 404 SW 25—1:00pm-1:40pm

Midwest City Library, 8143 E. Reno, 3:00pm-3:40pm

                                                     Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Bethany Library, 3510 N. Mueller, 9:30am-10:10am

Southern Oaks Library, 6900 S. Walker, 3:00pm-3:40pm, and  10:30am-11:10am

Downtown Library, 300 Park Ave., 1:00pm – 1:40 pm

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Del City Library, 4509 SE 15th, Time: 10:00am-10:40am

Warr Acres Library, 5901 NW 63rd, Time: 2:30pm-3:10pm

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Edmond Library, 10 S. Boulevard, 9:30am-10:10am, and 10:30am-11:10am

The Village Library, 10307 N. Pennsylvania Ave., 1:00pm-1:40pm

Belle Isle Library, 5501 N. Villa, 3:00pm-3:40pm

Friday, July 27, 2007

Choctaw Library, 2525 Muzzy St., 10:00am-10:40am

Harrah Library, 1930 N. Church St., 1:00pm – 1:40pm

Nicoma Park Library, 2240 Overholser, 3:00pm-3:40pm

 The series of readings, which is for ages 3 and older, is co-sponsored by the Arts Council of Oklahoma City and the Oklahoma Arts Council.  Call your neighborhood library for more information. 

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries.  Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres.  Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City.  You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org