CCPL celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Join the Charleston County Public Library in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month as we recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx Americans. Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. It's a celebration of 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.

Most library in-person program promotions are currently suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions. However, CCPL staff have put together enriching programs and displays at branches around the county to highlight titles written by Latinx authors. 

Our Baxter-Patrick James Island Library's young adult department has created a bright and beautiful display on the main floor and created a scavenger hunt program for teens centered around Latin American folklore. Check out another amazing display of titles for kids in their Children's area. Other CCPL displays include Wando Moutn Pleasant Library's "Puerto Rico is not a Country."  Throughout the month, discover books and resources that celebrate the many contributions the Lantin X community has and continues to contribute to making America beautiful in Wando's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion display area. 

Cultural events around the county are currently underway. The City of Charleston recently announced a series of events around the city and county celebrating the month. The list of events can be found on the Office of Cultural Affairs’ online calendar.

The Library of Congress in partnership with other national organizations have several virtual program offerings including art workshops for children, a virtual pajama party, concerts and more. 

You may also hear stories in Spanish read by CCPL staff and librarians through our Dial-A-Story. Each week staff are recorded reading a short story, poem, or excerpt of a favorite book. Patrons can use the call-in service to listen to Birth-Kindergarten stories in Spanish. New stories are posted weekly. To access Dial-A-Story, call (843) 805-6806. Follow the prompts to choose the story you would like to hear. 

Patrons may also browse the shelves of our 18 locations for titles written by Latinx authors including these picks below, which are picture books written by Latinx and Hispanic authors and/or illustrators that are currently available for check out or can be placed on hold at our libraries.  To place a hold, visit www.ccpl.org.