National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15-October 15 every year. According to the many US government agencies who take part "It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latin[e] Americans." Every year a theme is chosen for the month. This year it is: Latinos: Driving Prosperity, Power, and Progress in America.
Regardless of where your library, it's a great way to showcase some of your backlist and remind patrons of the authors and books they may have missed. In addition to fiction, you can display non-fiction like travel, cooking, and history. Remember that your patrons are as curious as you are so don't decide in advance that they won't be interested
For your social media, blogs, and online lists, here are some links you can use. Remember to vet any site before you suggest it to your patrons.
- One thing you can do is curate a page of virtual tours and exhibits for your patrons. They can also be used by local groups and agencies in your area. The Boys and Girls Clubs of America has a page up which includes a link to a 360ยบ virtual tour of La Casa Azul, Freda Kahlo's former home. The National Museum of the American Latino also has some virtual exhibits . The Museum of Latin American Art has virtual exhibits on their homepage. There are other museums and sites with virtual tours through Hispanic countries.
- The US government has a website which serves as a main hub for all of the various government agencies' content. You can break out the content from the various sites as you wish. Included are everything from the Census to the National Park Service to the Smithsonian.
- This is 2021's list but don't forget to include links to sites like GLAAD's which celebrate the Hispanic/Latine LGBTQ community.
- PBS has information on all of their programs and documentaries that they recommend you watch for more information on Hispanic heritage, history, and culture. They have added some new documentaries for this year.
- For younger patrons, teachers, and homeschoolers you can include things like the activitites and lessons on the National Education Association's webpage for Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Remember to check your local schools, colleges, and universities. Many will put up information online or will advertise events during this time.
- Always include links and information about whatever events your local community including local government has scheduled. If you don't know where to easily find them, this is a great time to gather links to where that information can be found for future use.
- If you have local restaurants, chefs or community organizations willing to help, you can post a suggested list of recipes for to try.
Book Lists are part of what you will want to include. For some ideas:
The Seattle Public Library has a list of recent non-fiction.
The Horror Writers Association has a series of blog posts for the month.
Boston University has a list of 25 titles, including YA and graphic novels.
Los Angeles Times - 11 Books to Read During Hispanic Heritage Month
Arapahoe Libraries has a list of Latino Authors to Read
Goodreads has a list of Hispanic Authors Books.
Bookriot - 8 Hispanic and Latine YA Authors You Should Definitely Read
Goodreads - Latinx YA Books
School Library Journal - 26 Must-Have Latinx YA Books Filled with Romance, History, and Magical Realism
Reading Middle Grade -31 Best Latino Middle-Grade and Chapter Books
Palo Alto City Library - Middle Grade Books: Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Month
