The exhibit, titled Hecho a Mano, features a collection of unique and creative books made from recycled materials such as cardboard, paper, and found objects.

Libros cartoneros, which originated in Argentina during a time of economic crisis, are a form of grassroots publishing in which books are made from recycled cardboard and sold at a low cost. The exhibit also features artists’ books created by the artist collective Ediciones Vigía from Cuba. These books, which are often one-of-a-kind or limited-edition pieces, incorporate a wide range of mediums, including painting and collage.

“Libros cartoneros came from this place of resilience and resistance,” explained the UCR Library's Sandy Enriquez who curated the exhibit. “While artists’ books are similar, they also elevated the art form of using common materials by incorporating more labor-intensive elements like pop-ups, cut-outs, and non-traditional bindings. It’s really cool to see two different ways that handmade books have originated in Latin America.”

You can view Hecho a Mano on the fourth floor of the Rivera Library in Special Collections and University Archives from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, during winter quarter 2023.