The Long Beach Public Library will host its fourth annual Vida Latina Series, a nearly two-month-long run of events celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 10 through Nov. 2.
This year’s festivities will include several in-person and virtual events as well as the return of Cuentos y Cantos Storytime. The library is also debuting a family-friendly literary fair Mercadito Literario on Saturday, Oct. 15.
Mercadito Literario will begin at 1 p.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library and will celebrate the contributions of Hispanic/Latinx authors, poets, small businesses and community organizations.
Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized in the United States from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. This month recognizes the historical, cultural, political and artistic contributions of Hispanic Americans, and the city of Long Beach will be celebrating the local community.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 43.2% of Long Beach’s population identifies as having Hispanic or Latino origin.
“We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the amazing culture and heritage of our Hispanic and Latinx community by participating in the Vida Latina events,” Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement released from the City.
The library will offer a variety of educational activities and workshops covering sexual health as well as herbal remedy demonstrations, bilingual storytimes and poetry workshops. There will also be family crafts and movie nights, Hispanic/Latinx folk art and a Day of the Dead celebration for the community.
“Vida Latina is a wonderful opportunity to come together and to celebrate and uplift the experiences of Long Beach’s Hispanic and Latinx community,” said Cathy De Leon, Director of Library Services in a statement from the City. “Last year’s programs welcomed over 2,600 participants, a true indicator that these events and workshops are valued by and reflective of our residents.”
For the full schedule of the Vida Latina series, visit lbpl.org or call (562) 570-7500.
