September 15 ~ October 15 is Hispanic ~ Latino Heritage Month.
Hispanic ~ Latino Heritage Month celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, Central and South America. It started as Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, when Lyndon Johnson was President. President Ronald Reagan expanded it in 1988 to cover a full 30 day period. It was decided that it should begin on September 15, as that is Independence Day in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrate Independence Day on September 16 and Chile celebrates on September 18. Also, Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, falls within this period.
We, at Middlesex Public Library, are celebrating Hispanic ~ Latino Heritage Month virtually with this collection of Hispanic ~ Latino literature.