Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual recognition of the diverse cultures, history and contributions of Hispanic Americans. First celebrated in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week, the month-long celebration, from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, was enacted into federal law in 1988.
This yearly observation begins mid-month because September 15th is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. There are other significant days that fall between September 15th and October 15th, as well: Mexico celebrates its independence day on September 16th while Chile celebrates its on September 18th. Columbus Day, or Día de la Raza, is on October 12.
The Library is here to help you celebrate with books, like the booklist below, resources, events and more!
Events:
We will host a community table at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center on Oct 2, for the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. You can sign up for library cards and learn about resources in the community.
Visit the Walk and Read at the Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center from Sept 28-Oct 6. "Pepe and The Parade, A Celebration of Hispanic Heritage" will be posted.
Digital Resources:
This Hispanic and Latino Heritage Libby list has a mix of eBooks and eAudiobooks for all ages.
This Hispanic Heritage Month Kanopy list has films featuring Hispanic Americans and/or celebrating Hispanic heritage and culture.
Databases:
Explore the branches and roots of your family tree with a number of Library genealogy resources.
Hispanic Life in America from NewsBank, this database contains primary source documents related to Hispanic American life.
Book Discussions: (click through for dates, times and locations):
“Solito” by Javier Zamora
"Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Online Author Events:
On Childhood Migration from Central America: In Conversation with Javier Zamora on November 14 at 3:00 PM
Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction: In Conversation with Bestselling Author Silvia Moreno-Garcia on Oct 9 at 6:00 PM
For Kids:
Lightbox - Search for “Spanish” to find over 150 interactive Spanish language eBooks.
Language & Citizenship Programs:
Citizenship Civics: Tuesdays and Wednesdays Sept-Nov (Online)
We want to note that while Language and Citizenship programs serve a wide range of diverse individuals, speaking many languages across the County, the Hispanic community represents a high percentage of the learners engaged in this content.
Booklists:
Hispanic Heritage Month: items available in the library collection that spotlight artists, culture, history, and contributions.
Authors: Newer books by Latinx authors.
Picture books: Picture books for Hispanic Heritage Month.
J Readers: A celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month for J readers.