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(847) 985-4000
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 through October 15, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month. It’s a special time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and important contributions of Hispanic Americans.
Community Ofrenda
October 1 through November 2
We are excited to create a Community Ofrenda— a beautiful and meaningful altar inspired by Mexican and Latin American traditions. An ofrenda is a vibrant and beautiful display that honors the lives of loved ones who have passed away. It is often adorned with photos, candles, flowers, favorite foods, and treasured items that help welcome and remember those spirits.
We invite you to participate in this tradition! Our Community Ofrenda is available at all library locations. You can bring in a photo (we’ll make a copy for display) or submit a photo online. by September 22 to be included in the digital ofrenda.
Related Programs
All Ages
Dance Demonstration with Grupo Folklorico Quetzal
Monday, September 22 • 5:30-6:15 p.m. • Hanover Park Branch
Join us for a dance demonstration from Grupo Folklorico Quetzal and learn about clothing, dance styles, and culture.
Wednesday October 1 – November 2 • All locations
We invite you to contribute to our Community Ofrenda. You can bring in a photo (we’ll make a copy for display) or submit a photo online. by September 22 to be included in the digital ofrenda.
Youth
Monday, September 15 • 4-5 p.m. • Hoffman Estates Branch • 6-9 years
Melissa Misla, a native New Yorker with Puerto Rican roots, takes you inside her childhood homes. Take a closer look at her art and make your own inspired pieces.
Book Explorers: Drum Dream Girl
Saturday, September 27 • 3-4 p.m. • Central Craft Room • 5-8 years
Inspired by the childhood of Millo Castro Zaldarriaga, a Chinese-African-Cuban girl who broke Cuba's traditional taboo against female drummers, this book tells an inspiring true story for dreamers everywhere.
Tuesday, September 30 • 4-5 p.m. • Central Craft Room • 9-12 years
Explore the traditional art form of Talavera Pottery from Mexico. Use the colorful technique to create our own tiles.
Saturday, October 4 • 3-3:45 p.m. • Central Craft Room • 7-12 years
Monarch butterflies hold symbolic and spiritual meaning in Mexican culture. Drop in to create a beautiful monarch butterfly picture using oil pastels and other materials – while supplies last.
Teen:
Friday, September 26 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Central Program Room
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with snacks from Hispanic cultures.
Friday, October 10 • 4:30-5:30 p.m. • Central Program Room
Design and decorate a Piñata Lantern, using paper lanterns, colorful tissue paper, and a tea light.
Adult:
Thursday, September 18 • 7-8 p.m. • Central Rasmussen Room
Instructors from Desueño Dance guide you through this energetic party dance that originated in Colombia.
Wednesday, October 22 • 2-3 p.m. • Central Rasmussen Room
If you’re 55 and older, join us for Loteria, a traditional Mexican board game of chance, similar to bingo, but played with a deck of cards instead of numbered balls.