Join Chicago Public Library as we celebrate Latinx History Month from September 15 to October 15. This year’s theme, Nuestra Cultura. Nuestras historias. / Our Culture. Our Stories., celebrates Latinx communities by exploring our vast experiences, storytelling, art, food and music through various in person and virtual programs, film screenings, Grab & Go kits and art exhibits.
Events
View all our Latinx History Month events. Highlights include:
Opening Program
Cooking Demonstration: Stuffed Plantains (Canoas de plátano maduro)
5 p.m. Thursday, September 15 (online)
Book Discussions and Author Events
Voices for Justice: Author Julissa Arce
6 p.m. Wednesday, September 28 (online)
Meet Maria Hinojosa: Once I Was You
6 p.m. Monday, October 3 at Harold Washington Library Center
Meet Author Erika L. Sánchez: Crying in the Bathroom
6 p.m. Thursday, October 13 at Harold Washington Library Center
Programs for Kids and Families
Being Bilingual Rocks! with Alina Celeste and Mi Amigo Hamlet
10 a.m. Saturday, October 1 at Logan Square Branch
Corridos Coloridos/Colorful Rhapsody with Delilah "Zena" Salgado
2 p.m. Saturday, October 8 at Back of the Yards Branch
Live Music Performance with Little Parade
11 a.m. Saturday, October 15 at Back of the Yards Branch
Programs for Adults and Teens
Mihtotilliztli: The Dance of Life
12 p.m. Saturday, September 17 at Little Village branch
Dance Salsa in YOUmedia
3:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 28 at Harold Washington Library Center YOUmedia
Muralism as Placemaking in the Puerto Rican Community
6:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 5 at Humboldt Park Branch
Film Screenings
Film Screening: The Curse of La Llorona (2019)
5 p.m. Wednesday, September 21 at South Chicago Branch
Film Screening: Encanto (2021)
1 p.m. Saturday, September 24 at West Chicago Branch
Film Screening: Frida (2002)
5:30 p.m. Monday, October 3 at Humboldt Park Branch
Grab & Go Kits
Pick up Grab & Go Kits that include luchador masks, alebrije masks, barriletes and a scrapbook making kit at participating branches.
Coloring Page
Print our coloring sheet by Chicago artist Jose Perales. This year’s Latinx History Month coloring sheet is inspired by this quote: “A book can take you around the world and back, all you have to do is open it.”
Artist Statement: When I think of Chicago, you can immediately see how diverse the city can be. As the 3rd largest city in the U.S., this city is built by its diverse residents from the ground up as high as the Sears tower. You can see the impact of each background from all across the world. With statues in honor of notable figures such as Minnie Minoso the first Afro Latino in the majors, Emiliano Zapata a leading figure in the Mexican Revolution, and high schools named after Benito Juarez and Roberto Clemente. As I reflect on the impact so many Latino residents and their history continue to have on Chicago, I felt it was only right to show how the city is truly built off this notion. Using books, we can travel to some of the countries that help make up this city. I chose to create this visual by allowing books to make up the architecture of the city. Seen throughout the piece are flags of many Latino countries such as the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Ecuador, Cuba and Peru as well as many others. Each flag and its people help make this city. While all being Latino, they all have their differences. Each with their own savory dish, vibrant music, and traditions. The great mix of culture, traditions and stories are what I believe continue to make Chicago such a beautiful city to live in.
Reading Recommendations
Latinx History Month Reads For Kids
Latinx History Month Reads For Teens
Latinx History Month Reads For Adults
Recent Latinx Poetry For Adults
