Tomás and the Library Lady at Austin Playhouse (West Campus)

Based on the true story of Tomás Rivera and the book by Pat Mora, this play is a celebration of reading, imagination and creativity.

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.