University Libraries hosts events for Sci-Fi fans

Kick off the new semester by celebrating science fiction while meeting new people. From alternate histories to dystopias and from cyberpunk to space opera, the University Libraries (UL) invites the campus community to the SciFi BLAST OFF virtual events.

The University Libraries is calling all dedicated Trekkers, Whovians, Browncoats, Gaters, X-philes and those with a developing interest in the science-fiction genre to the SciFi BLAST-OFF event series. It will consist of three in-person events designed to spark conversation. 

The 2023 theme is La Frontera Final: Latinx Science Fiction. University Libraries has partnered with Professor Matthew David Goodwin from the UNM Department of Chicana and Chicano Studies to center the science-fiction works of Latinx creators. Dr. Goodwin is the author of The Latinx Files: Race, Migration, and Space Aliens, the editor of Latinx Rising, and the co-editor of Speculative Fiction for Dreamers.

His work on Latinx literature and culture examines how science fiction, fantasy, and digital culture have been used to express the experience of migration, and being bi-cultural or multi-racial.

Jan. 23 | 6 – 9 p.m. | Zimmerman Library, Waters Room | Movie Watch Party will showcase a Spanish-language film by Puerto Rican director Carla Cavina. Dr. Goodwin selected this title, and he will lead a discussion of the film after the screening. 

Jan. 25 | 6 – 7 p.m. | Zimmerman Library, Herzstein Reading Room | Book Discussion will read a science-fiction short story collection by Cuban author Yoss. 

Jan. 26 | 6 – 7:30 p.m. | Centennial Science & Engineering Library, MAGIC | Team Trivia Tournament will feature an entire category of questions about Latinx science fiction, the works, the artists, and more!

This effort is partially supported by the Linda K. Lewis Endowment for Science Fiction and Women’s Studies. The $400,000 endowment honors UNM Professor Emerita Linda K. Lewis, who served as a collections librarian from 1969-2010. 

For more information and to register for events, visit the SciFi BLAST-OFF website.