The Latehomecomer: Performance & Book Giveaway
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Join the New York Public Library for a live performance of The Latehomecomer in partnership with literature to Life! This event is part of the World Literature and Arts Festival, taking place in-person at Bronx Library Center.
The Story
Told with the immediacy of the author as a young girl, born in the Ban Vinai Refugee camp in Thailand, Kao Kalia arrives in the United States when she is six. The story follows her journey from a quiet, reticent student struggling to speak English while facing racial discrimination, to a self-empowered young woman claiming her voice to tell the untold story of her people.
In Performance
Accomplished Hmong actress and traditional Flower Singer, Gaosong Heu, brings this powerful, personal story to life, with her musical talent and knowledge of Hmong culture. The performance tells a universal story of immigration, through the specific lens of this ancient culture inextricably bound to the history of the war in Vietnam.
This event will take place in person.
To join the event in person | Please register for an In-Person Ticket. Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. If you register for multiple tickets, please provide the name of each person who will be attending the event or arrive with your entire party present. Only registered patrons will be granted entry into the event space. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The New York Public Library’s World Literature & Arts Festival (April 14–30, 2025) celebrates writers, artists, and creators from NYC and around the globe. Join us for free events, programs, book recommendations, and resources for all ages.
ABOUT LITERATURE TO LIFE
Literature to Life (LTL) is a performance-based literacy program that presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of American literary classics. Founded as the educational program of the American Place Theatre more than three decades ago, LTL carries forward the legacy of founder Wynn Handman, who championed American writers of diverse backgrounds as “voices worth hearing” - a pioneering notion in the 1960s. Now under the leadership of Literature to Life co-founding Artistic Director, Elise Thoron, this mighty collective of artists and educators brings the voices of diverse authors to thousands of students and audiences nationwide, giving them the tools to become the empowered “voices worth hearing” of our future.
BOOKS & MORE
Discover more books and ideas tied to this program in The New York Public Library's collections.
- Borrow: NYPL Catalog
- E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android
Don't have a New York Public Library card? Get one here!
If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTES
In-Person
- Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue.
- You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.
- This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs.
Livestream
- Live captioning will be provided.
- You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org.
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For questions and inquiries, please email adultprogramming@nypl.org
Please submit all press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org.
Bronx, NY 10458