Every year, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15–October 15. Honor the contributions of Americans whose ancestors came from South and Central America, the Caribbean, Spain and Mexico. Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month began as a week-long celebration under President Lyndon B. Johnson? President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month-long celebration in 1988.
Brazil celebrates its independence day on September 7. September 15 is the anniversary of independence for El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Honduras. September 16 is Mexico's independence day and September 18 is Chile's independence day.
EXPLORE LISTS
- Read aloud a Hispanic heritage-focused picture bookopens a new window, perfect for ages 0-5.
- For elementary and middle school kids, read about influential Hispanic Americansopens a new window.
- Hey teens, these novelsopens a new window were hand-picked just for you all about Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Read a Pura Belpre Award-winning bookopens a new window for youth (teens and children).
- Pick up some novels (and two memoirs!) by Latino authorsopens a new window.
- Celebrate with this list in Spanish and English of Hispanic authorsopens a new window who have inspired many.
- Check out a novel from the Great American Read...in Spanishopens a new window.
INSTANT GRATIFICATION
- Stream a Spanish-language film from Kanopyopens a new window.
- Read a book in Spanish from ODILOopens a new window.
- Teach yourself Spanish using Transparent Languageopens a new window.
GENEALOGY RESOURCES
- Visit the Genealogy Hubopens a new window for inspiration, and browse resources like Ancestry.comopens a new window and more to trace your family history.
- Start piecing together your family history with these websitesopens a new window to fill out your family tree.
- Not sure where to begin? We can help! Schedule a 30-minute appointmentopens a new window with a librarian.
