September 2024
September 15 marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time when we commemorate the rich tapestry of history, traditions, culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans. Unlike other heritage months, this celebration begins mid-month to highlight the anniversaries of independence for several Latin American countries. This includes Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, all of which declared independence on September 15, 1821, and Mexico and Chile, which celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively.
First established in 1968 as a weeklong observance and later expanded to a full 31 days in 1988, National Hispanic Heritage Month today celebrates Hispanic Americans whose heritage is rooted in Spain and 19 countries or territories; in addition to those mentioned above, this includes Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
This year’s theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” highlights the enduring spirit of innovation and resilience that defines the Hispanic experience.
Throughout history, Hispanic Americans have pushed the envelope and changed the world in so many ways. They have left an indelible mark in every aspect of society, from labor organizers like Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta and Luisa Moreno; technology pioneers like inventor and astronaut Ellen Ochoa and Duolingo founder Luis Von Ahn; sports legends like softball player Lisa Fernandez who led the U.S. Olympic teams to three consecutive gold medals; and news media leaders like Cesar Conde, the first Hispanic American to lead a major English-language news organization.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Latino population in the U.S. is over 62 million today, making up 18.9% of the total population. Latinos continue to help fuel our economy and enrich our nation as entrepreneurs, athletes, artists, entertainers, scientists, public servants, and much more.
We encourage everyone to be a part of Hispanic Heritage Month festivities and learn more about how Hispanic Americans have changed — and are changing — the world. Bring the family to Fiestas Patrias Day at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, or attend a Latinx Heritage Month activity at your local library. There’s lots to explore.
Check out our list of resources and activities in your neighborhood. Adelante!
- South El Monte Library, Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, 09/14/24, 10am – 12pm
- West Hollywood Library, Activity Hour for Kids: Papel Picado, 09/17/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Florence Library, Travel Costa Rica: Splendid Sloths, 09/17,4pm – 5pm
- Hacienda Heights Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Special Storytime Celebrating Author Yuyi Morales, 09/17/24, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- Hermosa Beach Library, Fish Tales, 09/17/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Hermosa Beach Library, Fish Tales, 09/18/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Manhattan Beach Library, Mexican Folk Art Paper Flowers for Hispanic Heritage Month, 09/18/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Temple City Library, Hojalata: Mexican Tin Art, 09/18/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Lawndale Library, Hispanic Heritage Month : Guatemalan Barrilete, 09/18/24, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Sunkist Library, Hispanic Heritage Month : Hojalata, 09/18/24, 3:30 – 4:30pm
- Willowbrook Library, Book Adventures: Sing with Me: The Story of Selena Quintanilla, 09/18/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Diamond Bar Library, Baila Baila Bilingual Show, 09/18/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Westlake Village Library, Hispanic Heritage Month : Talavera Keepsake Boxes, 09/18/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Alondra Library, Hispanic Heritage Month Art Program, 09/19/24, 4pm – 5pm
- East Los Angeles Library, Zany Zoe Comedy Magic Fiesta, 09/19/24, 4:30pm – 5:15pm
- Gardena Mayme Dear Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Craft Hub, 09/20/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Baldwin Park Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Mexican Mirrors, 09/20/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Bell Library, Dreamers Book Party, 09/21/24, 2pm – 3pm
- San Gabriel Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Guatemalan Worry Dolls, 09/21/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Leland R. Weaver Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Hojalata Art & Loteria, 09/24/24, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Rowland Heights Library, Tissue Paper Flower Crown, 09/24/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Charter Oak Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Hojalata, 09/25/24, 3pm – 4pm
- West Covina Library, Colorful Tissue Paper Flowers, 09/25/24, 3pm – 4pm
- La Crescenta Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Guatemalan Worry Dolls, 09/25/24, 3:30PM – 4:30PM
- Littlerock Library, Guatemalan Worry Dolls, 09/25/24, 4pm – 5pm
- San Fernando Library, Clay Coasters, 09/25/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Acton Agua Dulce Library, Guatemalan Worry Dolls, 09/26/24, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Sorensen Library, Children’s Bilingual Book Club, 09/26/24, 6:30pm – 7:30pm
- Manhattan Beach Library, Mama Maestra Bilingual Family Storytime, 09/28/24, 11am – 11:30am
- Malibu Library, Smarty Pants Storytime, 10/04/24, 10:30am – 11:00am
- Montebello Library, Art – Hispanic Heritage Month: Artist Pedro Linares Lopez, 10/05/24, 11am – 12pm
- Rowland Heights Library, Origami Rocket, 10/08/24, 4pm – 5pm
- Littlerock Library, Smarty Pants Storytime, 10/09/24, 11:30am – 12pm
- Quartz Hill Library, Sugar Skulls, 10/09/24, 2:15pm – 3pm
- Castaic Library, Piñata Party, 10/10/24, 3pm – 4pm
- Agoura Hills Library, Bookmark Weaving, 10/11/24, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
- Lomita Library, Hispanic Heritage Month: Mini Piñata, 10/12/24, 3pm – 4pm
- El Camino Real Library, Kid Zoro: The Bilingual Puppet Musical, 10/12/24, 4pm – 5pm
- La Mirada Library, The Art of Día de los Muertos Flower Crowns, 10/16/24, 3:30pm – 4:30pm
