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September 9, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Andrea Castillo
(301) 699-3500 x6158
Andrea.castillo@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland –
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with activities for all ages, including dance performances from Larimar Folklore Dominicano, bilingual theater performances by Teatro La Bolsa, stories from Latin American authors, performances by singer-songwriter Liah Perez, a loteria game night for teens, a bomba music-themed activity and storytime for children, and other activities showcasing arts and culture from Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, and more.
From CEO Mark Winston, “In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, PGCMLS is very pleased to provide a wide range of programs and library collections, celebrating stories, voices, and images of the breadth of Hispanic and Latino cultures. We encourage you to join us for this celebration and to take advantage of our ever-expanding collections at this important time of year.”
Featured Events
The Hen and The Corn Tortilla / La gallina y la tortilla de maíz: Presented by Teatro La Bolsa
Tuesday, September 17 at 6 pm | Baden Branch Library | Kids | Free
Wednesday October 9 at 6 pm| Surratts-Clinton Branch Library | Kids | Free
Explore themes of friendship, solidarity, and sharing with Gallina Turuleca in this bilingual play from Teatro La Bolsa.
Mucha Música! An Interactive Musical Journey to Latin America
Tuesday, September 17 at 6 pm| Spauldings Branch Library | Kids | Free
Tuesday, October 8 at 6 pm | Hyattsville Branch Library | Kids | Free
Bring your family to sing, play percussion, and dance to Latin rhythms like salsa and merengue while exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Caribbean, Central, and South America with Cantaré, a duo who performs songs in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Teen Game Night: Loteria
Wednesday, September 18 at 5 pm | Hyattsville Branch Library | Teens | Free
Teens are invited to the library for a fun afternoon playing lotería, a popular game of chance from Mexico.
Larimar Folklore Dominicano Dance Performance
Wednesday, September 18 at 6 pm| Beltsville Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Tuesday, September 24 at 6 pm | Laurel Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Saturday, October 5 at 1 pm | New Carrollton Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Tuesday, October 15 at 6 pm | Upper Marlboro Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Take in the music, dance, and spirit of traditional Dominican culture during Hispanic Heritage Month with local dance group Larimar Folklore Dominicano.
Travel Buddies: Dancing Through Latin America! Presented by Teatro La Bolsa
Saturday, September 21 at 1 pm| Bowie Branch Library | Kids | Free
Saturday, October 12 at 1 pm| Glenarden Branch Library | Kids | Free
Bring your little ones on an adventure through different countries and explore their cultures, music, and dances in this bilingual play about the journey of Alre and Quines and their magical bag.
“Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us” by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez Hosted by Ofelia Montelongo, Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights
Tuesday, September 24 at 7 pm | Adults | Virtual Event | Free
Author Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodriguez discusses her book, “Tías and Primas: On Knowing and Loving the Women Who Raise Us” in conversation with Ofelia Montelongo in a virtual program co-presented by the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) and the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (PGCOHR). In the book, Rodriguez discusses the women in her Nicaraguan family and other Latine families, delving into topics such as intergenerational trauma, colonization, and sexism.
Music Performance by Liah Perez, Dominican-American Singer and Songwriter
Wednesday, September 25 at 6 pm | South Bowie Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Saturday, September 28 at 2 pm| Greenbelt Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Dominican-American singer and songwriter Liah Perez combines pop, Latin rock, and ballads to perform songs that touch on love, loss, the search for home, and the quest for meaning.
Hispanic Heritage Month Community Conversation with Samantha Howard - Co-presented with the Prince George's County Office of Human Rights
Thursday, September 26 at 4 pm | Virtual | Adults | Free
Samantha Howard, the Latino Liaison for the County Executive’s Office, shares her experience of nearly two decades working as a community liaison in higher education, getting to know the county’s Hispanic and Latino population, and working with community organizations and partners in this event co-presented by the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights (PGCOHR) and the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS).
"Sofia and Her Bomba Drum": A Musical Adventure with Author Isha M. Renta Presented by the Prince George’s County Latino Advisory Board
Tuesday, October 1 at 6 pm | Fairmount Heights Branch Library | Ages 4-8 | Free
Learn about Bomba music with Puerto Rican author Isha M. Renta. Aimed for children ages 4-8, the event will include a demonstration of and information about the Bomba drum, as well as a reading from Renta’s book, "Sofia and Her Bomba Drum."
Celebrating Our Stories: A Reading and Panel Discussion Presented by members of the Prince George’s County Latino Advisory Board
Friday, October 4 at 4:30 pm | Bladensburg Branch Library | All Ages | Free
Looking for a new read this Hispanic Heritage Month? Join members of the Prince George’s County Latino Advisory Board in a reading and panel discussion, where they will share excerpts from their favorite books, share personal insights, and discuss the cultural significance of their selections.
Sip and Paint: Birds of Latin America
Saturday, October 5 at 2 pm | Beltsville Branch Library | Teens | Free
Teens are invited to create their own artwork and can earn community service hours too! Paint a picture inspired by birds of Latin America to be hung on the public art display wall in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Protect the Planet: A Latina’s Fight for Environmental Justice - Augmented Reality Exhibit Presented by Sankofa Mobile Museum - Held in the Parking Lot
Wednesday, October 9 at 5:30 pm | Laurel Branch Library | Teens | Free
Meet Prince George’s County-based environmental activist Candida Garcia, and learn how you can make small changes to have a big impact on your community, as well as the unequal effects of environmental pollution on communities of color.
Online Resources
Visit PGCMLS’ Hispanic Heritage Hub for a full list of Hispanic Heritage Month events, as well as videos, resources, book recommendations, and more! With your library card, you can access Kanopy to watch thousands of streaming films, documentaries and more by and about the Hispanic community. Brush up on your language skills with Mango Languages or Transparent Language. Research Latino American history and culture with our database, “Latino American Culture: The American Mosaic,” where you’ll find primary sources, timelines, maps, and multimedia content, and other materials.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) helps customers discover and define opportunities that shape their lives. The Library serves the 967,000+ residents of Prince George’s County, Maryland through 19 branch libraries, a 24/7 online library, the County Correctional Center Library, and pop-up services throughout the community. PGCMLS is a responsive and trusted community-driven organization. Programs, services, and outreach activities serve book lovers, immigrants and refugees, job seekers, children, young professionals, seniors, and families alike. PGCMLS is the recipient of two Top Innovator Awards from the Urban Libraries Council (2023 - Democracy; 2021 - Workforce and Economic Development). Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.