Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to learn about and appreciate the diverse cultures that make up our Nation. To celebrate with the people of Aurora, the Aurora Public Library District (APLD) will be host to a rich lineup of programs for folks of all ages to celebrate Hispanic traditions. From musical concerts for children to in-depth conversations with community leaders, we hope everyone involved walks away with a new, or renewed, appreciation for Hispanic culture.
Families with young children can attend our bilingual concert Saturday, Sept. 16 with early childhood musical duo Little Parade. Little Parade is a husband-and-wife team that creates meaningful musical experiences with interactive songs for all ages. Be sure to stay until the end to take a swing at our piñata! Little artists, ages 6 and up can try their hand at creating their own papel picado (Mexican cut paper art) September 27 and hojalatas (Mexican tin art) September 30. Or, try your luck with a game of lotería at either the Santori Library on September 18 or the West Branch on September 30. Lotería is a group game similar to bingo that uses cards with pictures instead of number and letter combinations. When you win, remember to shout ‘lotería!’, instead of ‘BINGO!’.
If you’re more interested in shouting ‘ole!’ be sure to check out the salsa dance lessons with Desueño Dance Company during our Independence Day Celebration (Fiesta del día de la Independencia) at the Santori Library in Aurora Saturday, Sept. 23. “What’s a fiesta without some dancing!?” asks Spanish Language Programmer Kathy Mendoza. “Our Fiesta del día de la Independencia honors the Independence Days of Latin American countries that celebrate in the month of September. I knew this had to be a memorable experience because Latinos are so proud of our culture here.” Along with the dance lessons for teens and adults, this event will feature a bilingual magic show for children and have multiple stations with arts and crafts kits, prizes, and refreshments.
There’s more magic in store when you sing along with us and the Madrigal family Saturday, Sept. 30 while we watch Disney’s Encanto and make a magical door craft. And if you can’t get enough of Mirabel Madrigal, she’ll be visiting the library in October! Join Mirabel for a storytime and dance party October 7 at the Eola Road Branch and October 14 at West Branch. But remember, we don’t talk about Bruno in the Library… no no no.
What we do want to talk about is APLD’s first Community Voices exhibit that highlights stories from our Hispanic community. Exhibit participants discussed their heritage, culture, and how they take pride in their identity. “My source of pride in my identity is my parents, who even though they left their home country that they could not return to in 21 years, tried their best to show me their traditions, language, and history,” said exhibit participant and State representative Barbara Hernandez. “I would also add that my community, which is majority Latino now, has empowered my identity by having events that represent my culture.” We will talk even more during the Community Voices: In Conversation event Friday, Oct. 6 where community members will share additional insight into their heritage and lived experiences. This conversation requires registration and will be held across the street from the Santori Library at Nide Jardin, 140 S. River Street, Unit 106. Afterwards, go back to Santori Library for more Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations at First Fridays in the Atrium with live music, DIY piñatas, a costume contest and the full Community Voices exhibit on display for all to read and view.
These stories are an important part of Aurora’s story, and we are stronger because of them. APLD is committed to helping people learn and celebrate Hispanic and Latino culture along with all the community’s diverse populations. To learn more about any of these Hispanic Heritage Month events, and to register for the Community Voices: In Conversation event, please visit our events page www.aurorapubliclibrary.org/events, or contact the Library at 630-264-4117.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.