Celebrating Latin American Roots
Join us in celebrating Latin American roots during National Hispanic Heritage Month—and beyond!
Sonoma County Library is your home for cultura, community, and learning. All library events and services are free to our community. Check out our recommended books, movies, and music, then explore our lineup of free events below—including bilingual and all-ages activities!
History
National Hispanic Heritage Month is an annual commemoration from September 15 to October 15 that celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of people whose ancestors are from Latin America.
The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to cover a 30-day period in 1988.
Why September 15?
“September 15 ... 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.” - www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov/
Books, Collections, and Resources
Check out these recommended books and movies from our librarians:
Spanish
English
Dial-a-Story
Call (707) 755-2050 to listen to children’s librarians reading storybooks in both English and Spanish. This month’s titles include books by Latine authors and feature Latine stories.
Library Events
Everyone is invited to attend free library events and workshops.
*Registration required for select events.
Join author Julissa Arce for a discussion about her new book, You Sound Like a White Girl, exploring timely topics such as immigration and assimilation.
Bilingual Family Dance Party with Chiquy Boom
Zumba-style dance class featuring music from around the world! For families of all ages and abilities.
The Imaginists Theater presents “The Maguey”
Get ready for The Maguey, an original, bilingual, visual performance for grades K-8.
Enjoy a family-friendly tour of culture, language, and movement!
Follow along with step-by-step instructions in Spanish and English to learn painting skills and practice new vocabulary.
Decora una calaverita de azúcar en celebración del Día de los Muertos con Elsa Tapia.
Ballet Folklórico Performances
Celebrate Latin American roots with a live performances and dance lesson from Ballet Folklórico Netzahualcóyotl and Grupo Folklórico Quetzalén!
Juega una Lotería especial con el tema de la biblioteca con tus amigos y familiares.
Botanical Bus: Sweet Memories in Spanish
Spanish-language wellness workshop that centers whole, accessible Indigenous foods and traditional recipes.
Explore More Events: sonomalibrary.org/events
History and Geneology Resources
Available in Calisphere Diseños: maps of Alta California that would accompany Spanish and Mexican land grant petitions.
“Maps, or diseños, that comprise the Land Case Maps collection originally formed part of the private land claims ajudicated by the U.S. District Courts of California (Northern and Southern Districts) and the U.S Circuit Court (9th Circuit) from ca. 1850 to 1860.”
H&G holds naturalization records for Sonoma County dating back to 1841. Copies are free.
