by Youth Librarian Kelly
Did you know that Hispanic Heritage Month first began in 1968, but it only lasted for one week? Then in 1988, it was expanded to a whole month. September 15 is of special significance because many countries – Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua – celebrate their independence. Throughout the month and beyond, it’s a great time to learn more about the traditions, history, and contributions of people of Hispanic and Latin American descent.
Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15-October 15, and here at the library, we’ve got a couple of ways you can celebrate.
To kick things off, you can explore Latin culture and win prizes by playing Lotería. To get started, download the BINGO sheet as well as find more activities and resources on our website at https://bexleylibrary.org/hispanic-heritage.
Thanks to our partners from the Center for Latin American Studies at The Ohio State University, they have curated many exciting activities you can complete that allow you to explore Latin cultural traditions, history, food, places, music, and figures. Try a guayaba paleta from a paletería in Columbus like Diamonds Ice-Cream. You can also learn how to tango, read a biography about Ceasar Chavez, or practice your “goooal” call at your next fútbol match. There is so much to do, and for every BINGO you complete on your Lotería, you can enter to win prizes including a gift certificate to Diamonds Ice-Cream, a set of traditional Mexican dolls, and an Ohio State water bottle.
The library also has many books, movies, and music, you can borrow. If you’re looking for a place to start, some of my favorite picture book authors/illustrators are Angela Dominguez, Juana Martinez-Neal, and YuYi Morales. In Morales’ picture book, Niño Wrestles the World, Lucha Libre champion Niño finds no opponent too challenging–that is until his little sisters wake up from their naps! Another great read is Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo.
- Niño Wrestles the World by YuYi Morales |print / digital
- Charlie Hernández and the League of Shadows by Ryan Calejo |print / digital
For fans of Percy Jackson, middle grade readers will love this fantasy action-packed novel. Charlie has always grown up with stories of monsters and creatures from Hispanic folklore, but he never believed they were real until the day he turns into one. On top of a new body, when his parents go missing, Charlie will need to find a way to save them and also the world.
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians
If you’re looking for movies and music, there are many to pick from songwriter Lin-Manuel Miranda. Vivo is one of his newest works and follows the story of a one-of-a-kind kinkajou named Vivo who leads a happy life until one day tragedy strikes. Now it is up to Vivo to deliver an important love letter to his owner’s old partner. And of course, you can’t forget Encanto, which you can watch this week at Bexley’s Main Event on Friday, September 30.
Just because Hispanic Heritage Month ends on October 15, doesn’t mean you can’t explore Latino culture all year long. Ask us for book/movie recommendations any time, follow Latine authors on Instagram or BookTok, or support Latino/a owned businesses. The possibilities are endless.