Martha Mantilla’s interests in books and culture moved her from her roots in Colombia to destinations all around the world, and eventually to a long career as the librarian of the Eduardo Lozano Latin American Collection at the University of Pittsburgh.
Born in Bogotá, Mantilla grew up alongside an older sister and a younger brother. Early on, she was drawn to education and different cultures. She studied primary and secondary education at Colegio Santa Clara in the capital city, then trained for a year in librarianship at La Biblioteca Luis Ángel Arango, Colombia’s second-largest library.
“Undoubtedly, attending this program was the base for my love and passion” for libraries, she says, and a pathway to her current position.
When she finished the training at Luis Ángel Arango, Mantilla received a scholarship to study library science at Pitt.
Before she left for the United States, Mantilla contacted Pitt’s Center for Latin American Studies for help finding a roommate. The center connected her with Susan Smith (EDUC ’87G), who remains a good friend.