Each year, Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15–October 15, and it’s one of our favorite times of year! With more than 25,000 Richmond neighbors of Latine or Hispanic heritage, our city is rich with cultures, traditions, stories, and experiences to celebrate.
This year’s theme, “Unidos, Somos Más” (Together, We Are More), feels especially meaningful. It reminds us that our community is stronger because of the many individuals who call Richmond home. Their unique experiences, cultures, languages, and ideas help make our city such an amazing place to live, work, and visit.
This year at Richmond Public Library, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! Discover a new favorite book by a Latine author, explore Hispanic Life in America, our digital database featuring resources that highlight Hispanic and Latine history, culture, and experiences, or stream a documentary from Kanopy. Whether you’re looking to read, watch, or learn, there are plenty of ways to celebrate and discover something new.
Check Out Some of My Favorite Books by Latine and Hispanic Authors:
Sanctuary by Paolo Mendoza & Abby Sher
In the not-so-distant future, a young girl and her brother are forced to flee a xenophobic government that now controls the United States. In this dystopian world, every citizen is chipped and tracked, forcing undocumented immigrants to take extraordinary measures to remain undetected. Vali and her younger brother must make the perilous journey from Vermont to California in search of sanctuary, and the road there is every bit as harrowing as you might expect.
What makes this one especially chilling is how close its imagined future can feel to our own reality.
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
I’m a sucker for a good gothic tale, and this one definitely delivers! Set in 1950s Mexico, a charismatic aristocrat and a fearless socialite find themselves drawn to an isolated mansion in the Mexican countryside. The house is chilling, filled with shadows, secrets, and something far more sinister lurking within the walls. But the family who lives there may be even more unsettling.
A perfect twist on the classic gothic horror tradition!
Mango, Abuela, and Me by Meg Medina
When Mia’s Abuela comes to live with her, they struggle to communicate because Abuela speaks Spanish while Mia speaks English. But with a little help from a parrot named Mango, the two begin to discover new ways to understand each other and share their stories.
This beautiful picture book is written by beloved and acclaimed author Meg Medina, who lives right here in RVA!
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
In this achingly raw memoir, Machado explores what it’s like to be caught in an abusive queer relationship. You’ll feel the full spectrum of emotions as you follow her journey, and her courage in telling this deeply personal story makes it an unforgettable read. It will undoubtedly leave an impression on your heart.
Learn About Hispanic Life in America from Primary Source Documents
Hispanic history is American history. For centuries, Hispanic Americans have helped shape the United States through their contributions to its geography, arts, culture, and public life. Hispanic Life in America is a comprehensive digital archive of primary-source materials documenting Hispanic American life, with content from more than 17,000 news sources—including more than 700 Spanish-language and bilingual publications—dating from 1704 to today.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, take a deeper dive into the stories that have helped shape our country. Explore Hispanic Life in America and see what you discover!
Stream a Documentary from Kanopy
Looking for something to watch this Hispanic Heritage Month? Browse Kanopy’s collection of films and documentaries featuring Hispanic and Latino cultures, histories, and experiences. With your Richmond Public Library card, you can stream for free from wherever you are. So grab some popcorn and just press play!
