Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with music, fun, and educational programs for the entire family at the Library

Cleveland Public Library will honor the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans during Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from September 15 to October 15.

“Everyone is welcome at the People’s University. We believe the best way to understand each other is to experience other cultures,” said Twyla Turner, Director of Inclusion & Leadership Education at Cleveland Public Library. “We invite all Clevelanders to visit the Library or join us online for a month of cultural appreciation.”

From music and dance to art and ancestry, our Hispanic Heritage Month programs and activities offer something for everyone. “There’s an emotional connection to the music, food, and traditions of our ancestors and we can’t wait to share that with our community,” remarks Jaime Declet, South Branch Manager and Chair of the Hispanic Employee Resource Group at Cleveland Public Library. “Whether it’s to play and learn or seek and find, the Library’s events are designed to bring friends and families together to show their pride and embrace the vibrant Hispanic heritage.”

PLAY & LEARN

Take-and-Make Crafts: Hispanic Heritage Month

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by making Mexican God’s Eye (Ojo de Dios) 
Monday, September 13 | Carnegie West Branch | 4 p.m.  
Wednesday, September 15 | Memorial Nottingham Branch | 4 p.m.  

Hispanic Heritage Craft

Join us for a craft in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month
Hojolata Tin Art | Tuesday, September 14 | Walz Branch | 4 p.m.  
Taino Rock Carvings | Tuesday, September 28 | Walz Branch | 4 p.m.  
Nazca Lines | Tuesday, October 5 | Walz Branch | 4 p.m.  

¡Baila Conmigo! 

This 5-week program celebrates Hispanic heritage through music and dance
Thursdays, September 16 – October 14 | Memorial Nottingham Branch | 4 p.m.

Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration

Enjoy the sights, sounds, and traditions of Cleveland’s Hispanic heritage, including live music and dance performances by Suavecito Project and Grupo Azteca Guadalupana, along with a sampling of Latinx treats on the South Branch outdoor patio
Friday, September 17 | South Branch patio (weather permitting) | 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Latinx Make Art

Youth Series

Make art and explore the culture of Latin America in this hands-on series presented by Art Therapy Studio. Join us in-person at Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center or pick up a free art kit at your neighborhood branch to follow along at home on youtube.com/ClevelandPublicLib.
Fridays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 15 | Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center | 4 p.m. – 5 p.m. 

Adult Series

Explore identity and culture in this therapeutic art series offered by Art Therapy Studio. The in-person program will be held at Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center located at 2800 Archwood Avenue in Cleveland.
Fridays, Sept. 24 – Oct. 29 | Julia De Burgos Cultural Arts Center | 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. 

CPL PLAY ONLINE Special Guest: Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez

Graphic novelist and the writer and creator of the bestselling superhero series, La Borinqueña, joins CPL PLAY ONLINE for an inspiring and unflinching look at representation and diversity in storytelling. Miranda-Rodriguez will also explore character building in graphic novels, games, and art. Gaming will follow the discussion.
Friday, October 15 | twitch.tv/clevelandpubliclibrary | 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.

SEEK & FIND

Explore Your Hispanic Roots Series 

The two-part online lecture series will help people trace their Mexican family history. The class will be led by librarian and genealogist Colleen Robledo Greene who avidly uncovers her family’s Mexican heritage. No experience in genealogy is required.

SERIES 1: An Introduction to Researching Your Mexican Ancestors 

Learn the basics about key U.S. records and strategies for identifying when and where Mexican ancestors immigrated. Gather tips on identifying their hometowns in Mexico and where to find records needed to trace your family lines further back in Mexico.
Wednesday, October 6 | cpl.libcal.com/event/8240162 | 4:30 p.m.

SERIES 2: Getting to Know Mexican Church & Civil Registration Records 

The long history of formalized record keeping in New Spain and Mexico provides a wealth of information for researching Mexican ancestors. Church records and civil registrations are often described as the best family history records in the world due to the wealth of genealogical information typically included in these records. Learn how to find and analyze Mexican civil and church registration collections to build out your Mexican family history even if you’re a non-Spanish speaker.
Tuesday, October 19 | cpl.libcal.com/event/8240185 | 4:30 p.m.