The 956 Radical Library: A Community Space for Radical Learning

At a time when books are being pulled from shelves and histories are being erased, spaces like the 956 Radical Library are not just important, they are necessary. Founded in 2021 by Nansi Guevara and Xandra Treviño, the library emerged as a direct response to the growing wave of book bans across the United States, offering the Brownsville community access to knowledge that challenges, educates, and empowers. (Paso Del Norte Community Foundation, 2026)

Building on an initial donation from the Texas Book Festival, the library’s collection has continued to grow with support from the Mellon Foundation.

The 956 Radical Library carries books that center around Indigenous, Mexican-American, and Black history, as well as banned books and social justice literature. By partnering with local spaces, they have provided free public access to this carefully curated collection since January 2025. Through collaboration with artists, activists, land protectors, social justice organizations, and volunteers across the Rio Grande Delta, they have hosted and participated in events that encourage collective reading and discussion around the issues impacting our community.

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A New Home for Radical Resources

The 956 Radical Library is now located at:

1200 W. Elizabeth Street
Brownsville, TX 78520

They are open Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Donations are gladly accepted and go toward maintaining the space, expanding the book collection, and planning educational and cultural events that bring people together.

Everyone deserves access to radical resources, resources that help us identify the challenges our community faces and work to address them at their root. At a time when politicians are passing laws to ban books that expose histories of harm against our people, the 956 Radical Library remains committed to creating a space where we can learn, reflect, and discuss together.

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Visiting the Library

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to visit the 956 Radical Library and witness firsthand the valuable work they are doing for the community.

The Garden

The garden is impressive and growing daily thanks to the dedication of Farmer Dave. While busy with his morning gardening, he shared the library’s mission of building a more efficient and unified community by supporting local resources. The garden currently includes cucumbers, broccoli, cilantro, and a wide variety of flowers. Donations of gardening supplies are always welcome and appreciated.

Inside the Library

Inside, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Shelves are filled with a diverse range of books, including Spanish-language titles and works by African American authors. Visitors are encouraged to spend time in the Reading Zone, where they can read as much as they like onsite.

For guests 12 and older, the library offers punch cards:

• Every 30-minute visit earns a punch
• Fill your card and receive a FREE BOOK

If reading works up an appetite, there’s also a kitchen area available for snacks.

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Events & Programs

The 956 Radical Library regularly hosts events and community programs, including past book giveaways.

Upcoming Event:

• Writing Workshop
• Saturday, January 17 at 5:30 p.m.
• Focus: Writing memories
• RSVP by DMing them on Instagram

If you enjoy reading and discussing books with others, the Radical Reads Book Club meets regularly at their new location.

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Why You Should Visit

I truly enjoyed my visit and learning more about the incredible work being done at the 956 Radical Library. Thanks to Farmer Dave and their library assistant Damian for taking time to speak to me and answer my questions. If you’re looking for ways to get involved in the Brownsville community, I highly recommend stopping by and experiencing this space for yourself.

956 Radical Library
1200 W. Elizabeth St.
Brownsville, TX 78520

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