The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is dedicated to celebrating, serving, and reflecting, our community. It’s an honor and pleasure to highlight our community’s rich Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15. The Library will offer art, music, dance, and craft, programs across our multiple locations for everyone to enjoy in English, Spanish, or both!
Expect a wide variety of programs for all ages celebrating our community’s vibrant Hispanic heritage. Kicking off our celebration, we will be author Dennis Avelar Thursday, Sept. 15 at Santori Library on River Street to share a special presentation about his latest book “The Blue Q: The World As I See It.”
Avelar is the youngest first-generation, American-born, son of Guatemalan immigrants. He will share the inspiration behind this thrilling story about the joys of life and environmental awareness. The joy of life is the subject of an upcoming photography exhibit by artist Vincente Morales, in collaboration with the Creative Productions photography studio.
Oaxaquean Women Cultural Heritage, on display at Santori Library September 15–October 15, shows the beauty of Oaxacan women’s daily lives, work, and above all, the cultural heritage their ancestors have left. Morales will talk Monday, Sept. 19 about the culture of the original people and the beauty of Oaxaca, Mexico.
At the Eola Road Branch we will have two celebrations of Hispanic arts and culture, starting with the soulful sounds of Spanish guitar! Hector Fernandez and Thomas Kimball will grace us with their music which includes influences of gypsy rumba, bossa nova, flamenco, classical and gypsy jazz. Those attending may relax at the fireplace in our Quiet Reading Room Sunday, Oct. 2 to listen, or tune in on Facebook Live. If that Spanish guitar inspires you to get up and move, join us for the Mexican folk-dance troupe, Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl, Wednesday, Oct. 12 in-person or on Facebook. The Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl is a nationally-recognized dance troupe that has been delighting audiences for the past 35 years and we are honored to have them perform at the Library.
If you’d prefer to participate in the arts and culture instead of simply watching, we have two opportunities to get your artistic hands dirty. We will replicate the famous Diego Rivera mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central” Saturday, Sept. 24 or register for the two-day Piñata Making workshop October 10 and 12. Both bilingual programs require advance registration and are open to all ages!
Everyone is invited to our month-long celebration of Aurora’s Hispanic Heritage! Those who want more information on our programs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month should visit our online calendar at www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events or contact the Library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.