Celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month with the Library

Each year, Americans observe Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

This year’s national theme is “Unidos, Somos Más,” meaning “Together, we are More.”

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month Events at the Library

This year, the Library will host a variety of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month programs for all ages. From storytimes to author events, crafting workshops, and so much more, the Library has something for everyone to celebrate. See our full calendar of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month events below, or visit events.nolalibray.org for even more fun, free programming at at Library location near you.

If you’re a 5th – 10th grade Spanish language class in New Orleans and would like to attend our Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month Celebration at Main Library on Oct. 7, email awander@nolalibrary.org by Monday, September 21 or until spots are filled. The event is presented in partnership with the Stone Center for Latin American Studies and the Library Foundation of New Orleans. This interactive cultural and educational field trip will include a live performance by the Cristina Kaminis Quartet, and will be presented in both English and Spanish.

Lucky Diaz Author Talk

Grammy-winning musician Lucky Diaz will visit the Library via Zoom on Sept. 24 to discuss his bilingual picture book "Paletero Man."

Looking for recommendations of what to read, watch, or listen to while you celebrate Hispanic & Latinx Heritage this month? See staff recommendations below, or visit any Library location to find more suggestions and to learn more about Spanish-speaking and Latin American histories, cultures, and communities.

Take & Make Craft Kits

In celebration of Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month, our September Take & Make is castanets. Traditionally, castanets are made with two carved wooden shells connected by a string. Make your own version out of cardboard and buttons, which imitate the clacking sound of traditional castanets. Availble starting Tuesday, September 8.

Sponsored by the Library Foundation of New Orleans.

Share your creations with us by tagging our social accounts @nolalibrary or email impact@nolalibrary.org.

In addition to physical materials, the Library has dozens of movies and albums available to stream with your Library card — anytime, anywhere. See below for recommendations.

Watch on Kanopy:

Watch on hoopla:

Listen on Freegal:

Please note: While this celebration is nationally called Hispanic Heritage Month, the Library is observing Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month in order to provide as much cultural inclusion as possible. The Library’s Equity Task Force consulted a variety of articles and surveyed other institutions and organizations to reach this decision