Submitted by Evanston Public Library
Hispanic Heritage Month runs Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, and the Evanston Public Library is celebrating with events and programs both at the library and throughout Evanston. Support a small business, go on a scavenger hunt, play games with the family, make crafts for all ages and so much more at the Library.
Support small businesses
Explore and support our Latinx-owned Evanston businesses with the Library and get entered for a chance to win. Stop by either the Robert Crown Branch Library or the Main Library beginning Friday, Sept. 15, and pick up a punch card of local Hispanic/Latinx-owned businesses. Visit their locations and make a purchase or learn some trivia about the business for a punch, then bring it back to the library by Oct. 15. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a $100 gift card to one of the businesses.
Celebrate and learn all month long
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the histories and cultures of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, and recognizes the contributions Hispanic, Latinx, and indigenous peoples of Latin America have made in our communities.
The Evanston Public Library is celebrating throughout the month with a special collection of programming celebrating Latinx culture and supporting the Latinx community locally for all ages, from kid’s crafts to a 21-and-older Make Your Own Michelada evening. All programs are bilingual (English/Spanish), unless otherwise noted. Here’s what’s happening:
- Hispanic Heritage Month Kickoff Event. Friday, Sept.15, 6-7:30 p.m. Kick off Hispanic Heritage month in style and celebrate a new community art project led by artist Alfonso “Piloto” Nieves!
- Quetzal Craft. Friday, Sept. 15. All day.
- Agua Fresca y Lotería. Saturday, Sept. 16, 1-2:30 p.m.
- Latino Family Game Night. Friday, Sept. 22, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Virtual Memory Cafe: Art of Latin America. Thursday, Sept. 28, 2-3 p.m.
- Brindar y Pintar: Pintando Alebrijes. Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6-7:30 p.m.
- Cómo Hacer una Michelada Botanera. Friday, Oct. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.
- Feria de Flores Columbian Craft. Wednesday, Oct. 11, 6-8pm.
- Brindar y Pintar: Pintura de Vidrio Invertida Friday, Oct. 13, 6-8 pm.
- Teen Snack & Paint: Alebrijes. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.
- Feria de Flores Columbian Craft. Wednesday, Oct. 18, 6-8pm.
- Better Off Read Book Group: Mexican Gothic. Monday, Oct. 30, 6:30-7:45pm. (English only.)
Plus, drop in anytime for the following activities and make-and-take kits:
- Around the World Scavenger Hunt. All month long. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, EPL children’s mascots Hada and Little Book visited many countries and tried many different dishes from around the world. Find all about where Hada and Little Book have been for the chance to win some special prizes. Stop by the Robert Crown desk or the children’s department at the Main Library to learn more.
- Short & Sweet: Storytime Kit in English and Spanish. All month long. Drop by the Main Library to pick up a take-home story kit including a link to a short video and supplies to make a craft featuring a section from The Pupol Vul, the Maya creation account, about Seven Macaw.
- Design your own Loteria Card. All month long. Stop by the children’s department at the Main Library to make your own Loteria card to hang in our library’s art garden.
And there’s more! Watch for announcements about even more programs, crafts and more in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month here at epl.org/hispanicheritagemonth, and mark your calendar for our Nov. 1 Dia de los Muertos celebration at the Robert Crown Community Center.
For more programs and events offered by the Evanston Public Library, visit www.epl.org/events.