TOMÁS AND THE LIBRARY LADY

Grades K-5 

Tomás loves stories. As the young son of migrant farm workers, he spends the summer with his family, following the crops north from Texas to Iowa, passing long days in the fields and listening to his grandfather tell stories. Before long, Tomás knows all of Papa Grande’s tales by heart.... 

When a chance encounter brings him to the local Carnegie Library, he meets the “Library Lady” who recognizes his thirst for knowledge and encourages him to read. His delight in books is equaled by his pride in teaching Spanish to the Library Lady, trading knowledge and respect between generations and cultures.  By the end of the summer, Tomás has gained pride in becoming his family’s new storyteller, the guidance of a colorful mentor, and a lifelong love of reading. 

This bilingual musical is based on the beloved book about the true story of the Mexican-American author and educator Tomás Rivera, who became the first minority Chancellor in the University of California system. This inspirational production shows how reading and education — and believing in one’s self — can make anything possible.