By Janet Hosey
Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the history, culture and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
The observance began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week and was expanded to a month in 1988. Its dates coincide with the independence days of several Latin American countries, as well as Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, explore what Joliet Public Library has to offer, from family programs and Spanish-language services to books, movies, music and digital resources.
Library programs
Mark your calendar and plan to attend these events:
Ottawa Street Branch
Que Bonita Vecindad: Exploring Latin America
Leave the suitcase at home as we travel throughout Latin America without leaving the library! Join us for games, crafts, and songs celebrando la cultura! Families with kids. Registration required.
Saturday, Sept. 16, 6-7 p.m.
This Family Storytime is for Spanish and English speakers and will give exposure to books, songs, and activities in both languages. Birth-6 years old with an adult. No registration required.
Wednesdays, 6-6:30 p.m.
Black Road Branch
Play Lotería, the Mexican version of Bingo, and win prizes with your family and friends! Kids of all ages with an adult. Registration required.
Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30-7:30
Sign up for a time slot with your family to meet and touch alpacas from the Lucky Clover Farm in Yorkville and find out more about these soft and cuddly creatures. All ages. Registration required.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m.
Books, movies & music
Stop by one of our branches to browse curated displays during Hispanic Heritage Month! Or pick up one of our staff recommendations, including:
Adult/teen books
- Muneca
- Ana Maria and The Fox
- You Had Me at Hola
- The Inheritance of Orquidea Divina
- I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter
- Witchlings series
- Estela, Undrowning
- Furia
- The Last Cuentista
- Where the Library Hides
- A Cruel Thirst
Kids’ books
Movies
- American historia : the untold history of Latinos
- In the Heights
- Under the Same Moon (La misma luna)
- Instructions Not Included
- Our Family Wedding
- Encanto
Music
Digital resources
Hoopla has a curated collection of books, movies and music to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month – free to download and stream with your Joliet Public Library card.
Mango Languages, an online language learning resource free with your Joliet Public Library card, offers more than 70 languages, including Spanish (Latin American), Portuguese (Brazilian) and Spanish (Castilian). Find Mango Languages on our online resources page.
Kanopy, which provides free access to movies with your Joliet Public Library card, offers a curated collection of movies showcasing Hispanic American heritage and culture, Hispanic actors, Latin American history and Spanish language films.
Resources and programs for Spanish speakers
Joliet Public Library has a large Spanish language collection of books, magazines, movies and music.
Spanish speakers can also join a new Spanish-language book club, Entre Las Paginas.
The library also offers English Language Learning classes, English conversation classes and one-on-one English tutoring sessions for anyone looking to learn English or improve their skills.