Hispanic Heritage Month

Did you know? Hispanic Heritage Month is just a few days away! This month of recognition celebrates Hispanic and Latin American culture, as well as recognizing Hispanic and Latino American contributions to American history and progress. Hispanic Heritage Month begins in the middle of September to coincide with and commemorate the independence celebrations of several Latin American countries.

One great way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month is with a book display - and there are so many approaches to take!

Of course you can pull your non-fiction books from the 900's section profiling Hispanic countries and cultures, as well as collective biographies celebrating the achievements of Hispanic Americans in many fields. There are lots of great individual biographies and biographical picture books of famous people of Hispanic descent, such as ¡Viva Frida! by Yuyi Morales and Drum Dream Girl by Margarita Engle. You could also consider a display featuring authors of Hispanic heritage, such as Pam Muñoz Ryan, Duncan Tonatiuh, Kiera Cass, and so many more. For a one-stop list of many excellent recommendations, check out the newly released The Pura Belpré Award 1996-2016: 20 Years of Outstanding Latino Children's Literature, which features great recommendations and wonderful interviews with medalists.  And don't forget, find out in advance if your district's schools have assignments tied in to Hispanic-American history-- if yes, definitely feature books that fit their needs.

                            

Don't forget to decorate your display! Print out pictures of flags, or post informational pictures and captions that tie in to the books you've put on display, museum-style. Find out if any members of your staff of Hispanic heritage have any culturally relevant items they might want to loan the library for your display. And don't forget some fun and colorful signage!