Rudolfo Anaya, the Godfather of Chicano/a letters and internationally recognized New Mexico author of many critically acclaimed works including Bless Me Ultima now has a lasting tribute in the Rudolfo Anaya Sala in Zimmerman Library on UNM's main campus.
Mr. Anaya has multiple connections to UNM, starting as a student in the English department earning a
The UNM University Libraries was selected as the place to honor the lasting impact of the work of Rudolfo Anaya in the form of a named space, becoming a reality thanks to the generous donors who contributed to the Sala fund.
A sala is defined as an important room or living room, a place to come together, which is the goal of the new space. The Rudolfo Anaya Sala is located in one of the busiest areas of Zimmerman library, where students gather before convening for class, where the public mingles before and after lectures, and where the community can soon view Anaya’s memorabilia and other special collections held by the library. Most importantly, The Sala is also purposely located near the Rudolfo Anaya Papers in the Center for Southwest Research and Special Collections, having been donated to UNM by the author for research and use by the campus and larger New Mexico community of scholars.
Thanks to many generous donors who contributed to make the space a reality!
Plans are being made for a grand opening for the space in 2024 and updates will be shared by the library on this site and via social media channels.
For more information about the physical and digital materials by and about Mr. Anaya, see the Digital and Physical collection tabs on the left side of this page.