Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Libraries have long reflected the communities they serve. Responding to the fastest growing population in the United States, libraries across the country work to meet the need of their Latino populations.
Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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. The day of Sept. 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 Sept. 16 and Sept.18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30 day period.
This year, National Hispanic Heritage Month will celebrate with the theme, “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories…One American Spirit.”
ALA Website: accessed 10/9/2016 http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2011/09/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-your-library
Libraries have long reflected the communities they serve. Responding to the fastest growing population in the United States, libraries across the country work to meet the need of their Latino populations.
Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 marks National Hispanic Heritage Month, which celebrates the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.
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. The day of Sept. 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 Sept. 16 and Sept.18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is Oct. 12, falls within this 30 day period.
This year, National Hispanic Heritage Month will celebrate with the theme, “Many Backgrounds, Many Stories…One American Spirit.”
ALA Website: accessed 10/9/2016 http://www.ala.org/news/press-releases/2011/09/celebrate-hispanic-heritage-month-your-library