Wednesday, June 5, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Alexis Gunderson
(301) 699-3500 x6158
alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info
Largo, Maryland – From September 15-October 15, the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) will observe Hispanic Heritage Month by hosting more than 60 programs for community members of all ages that honor and celebrate the culture and traditions of Mexico, Central and South America, Spain, the Philippines, and the wider Hispanic diaspora.
“The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System is proud to serve the diverse Hispanic and Latine community that calls Prince George’s County home,” says PGCMLS Library Director Catherine Hollerbach.
“From our award-winning Biblio Consulta Spanish-language reference services team to cultural discussion programs, bilingual storytimes and film programs, and language learning and citizenship support initiatives, the Library is committed throughout the year to providing resources and opportunities that reflect and celebrate our community. During Hispanic Heritage Month, we are especially pleased to honor and highlight the rich, varied, and vibrant cultural traditions that are an important part of Prince George’s County, and to celebrate the fact that the Library is for everyone, regardless of their status or background.”
Highlights from this year’s Hispanic Heritage Month programming slate include papercraft and painting programs from local artists Marta Pérez García and Jesse Raudales; interactive music, dance, and capoeira programs led by community partners and branch staff; and exciting folk art and STEM programs that will teach kids about everything from hojalata art and Lotería cards to Nasca lines and STEM luminaries Ellen Ochoa and Ynés Mexia. And as always, story-lovers of all ages will be able to enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month-themed “Ready 2 Read” storytimes, “Tail Waggin’ Tutors” programs, “Lunch & Learn” community discussions, and a variety of graphic novel, book, and film discussions for tweens, teens, and adults.
Additionally, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino will be bringing its special exhibition about the evolution of salsa — “Puro Ritmo: The Musical Journey of Salsa” — back to the Beltsville Branch Library for a second time, after having shared a special preview with PGCMLS branches in 2025, months before the exhibit went live at the NMAL.
“Whether you are seeking a comforting connection to your heritage, sharing your rich traditions with children raised here, or discovering the diverse histories and remarkable contributions of Hispanic and Latine communities, PGCMLS welcomes you and your family to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us,” says PGCMLS Bilingual Program and Outreach Associate Maribel Rodriguez.
“This year’s vibrant lineup of programs highlights that Hispanic culture is truly a beautiful tapestry of many cultures. Through storytelling, music, history, and reflection, we honor both the enduring strength and the joyful spirit of our community, affirming that Hispanic and Latin American heritages are an indelible part of the fabric of the United States.”
Complete details for featured PGCMLS Hispanic Heritage Month events are below. For a full overview of Hispanic Heritage Month events at PGCMLS, please visit the Library’s Hispanic Heritage Hub.
Featured PGCMLS Events Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2026
Presented by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino
Free | Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30 pm | Kids to Adults | Beltsville Branch Library | Link
Come discover the story of how Afro-Cuban music evolved into a defining sound in the U.S.!
In 2025, the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Latino brought an exciting special preview of their upcoming exhibition “Puro Ritmo: The Musical Journey of Salsa” to PGCMLS branch libraries — and now that the exhibition is live at the museum, they are coming back to celebrate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month with PGCMLS. Following a fun presentation about Celia Cruz and her role in musical history, participants will create their own version of Celia Cruz’s iconic shoe using cardstock and craft supplies. Family participation is encouraged.
Presented by Artist Marta Pérez García and UMD Latin American and Caribbean Studies Center
Free | Saturday, September 19 at 11:15 am | Ages 5-12 | Hyattsville Branch Library | Link
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a bilingual Spanish/English family drop-in workshop led by Marta Pérez García that invites participants to connect with nature, culture, and one another through the art of handmade paper created with recycled paper scraps and natural materials such as flowers, leaves, and seeds. Participants will create paper circles that will become part of a larger collaborative community artwork that celebrates Hispanic cultures, creativity, connection, and the shared values of caring for one another and the world around us.
Free | Saturday, September 19 at 2 pm | Ages 4-8 | Baden Branch Library | Link
Join Greenbelt-based children’s book author Rosa Romero for this special Hispanic Heritage Month author visit! Rosa will read from her book “Tengo mi cabello largo” (“I Wear Long Hair”), and then will share her journey as an author and what inspired her to write this special story. Following this fun and interactive reading experience, children ages 4–8 will enjoy a creative coloring activity inspired by the book! Note: Books will be available from the author for purchase and signing after the program; payments must be made by credit card or check only.
Presented by the Cultural Dance Center and sponsored by the PGCMLS Foundation
Free | Saturday, September 19 at 2 pm | All Ages | Hyattsville Branch Library | Link
Free | Saturday, September 26 at 2 pm | All Ages | Bladensburg Branch Library | Link
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a lively journey through Caribbean culture led by local partner, the Cultural Dance Center! This interactive program invites everyone to enjoy vibrant dance performances and try out some fun Caribbean rhythms and dance steps as participants celebrate, connect, and experience the joy of Caribbean dance. Note: This program is sponsored by the PGCMLS Foundation.
A Community Mural Workshop Exploring Latine Culture, Memory, & Resistance
Free | Saturday, September 26 at 2:30 pm | Teens and Adults | Glenarden Branch Library | Link
In this workshop presented by artist AnaYelsi Velasco Sanchez — an IndoLatinx mujerista, artist, and public educator originally from Venezuela whose work centers on healing, justice, and collective liberation — participants will explore murals as a form of storytelling and resistance in Latin America and Latine communities in the United States, and will learn how mural-making is used to reflect histories, traditions, relationships, and lived experiences. Participants will then get a chance to explore memory, identity, culture, and belonging through a hands-on collaborative art-making activity. No art experience necessary.
Presented by Artist Marta Pérez García and UMD Latin American and Caribbean Studies Center
Free | Thursday, October 8 at 4:30 pm | Teens | Hyattsville Branch Library | Link
Teens will get a chance to explore identity, creativity, and resilience through the art of handmade papermarking in this interactive bilingual Spanish/English workshop led by artist Marta Pérez García. Participants will use drawing, collage, embroidery, and handmade papermaking to express their stories, reflect on personal experiences, and contribute to a collaborative artwork centered on connection, healing, and hope. Note: Limited to the first 35 teens to arrive.
Presented by Barro Vermelho Capoeira Group
Free | Saturday, October 3 | 2 pm | Kids to Adults | South Bowie Branch Library | Link
Free |Saturday, October 10 | 2 pm | Kids to Adults | Surratts-Clinton Branch Library | Link
Experience Capoeira, a Brazilian martial art that blends dance, music, and traditional songs! In this fun and interactive program, participants will explore Brazilian culture while learning how capoeira can help develop coordination, flexibility, balance, focus, and strength through martial arts, movement, music, and instruments. The program will begin with an introduction to Capoeira, followed by an opportunity for participants to sing traditional Capoeira songs and learn about the music that accompanies the art form. Volunteers will be invited to practice basic Capoeira movements with guidance from instructors. The program will conclude with a “Roda” demonstration, where experienced students showcase Capoeira through movement, music, and traditional performance.
Presented by Ofelia Luya Zanabria, David Alberto Fernandez, Javier Vilcapoma, & Janeth Urquizo
Free | Saturday, October 10 at 1:30 pm | Teens and Adults | Greenbelt Branch Library | Link
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a poetry reading that highlights Latin culture through poetry. Poets Ofelia Luya Zanabria, David Alberto Fernandez, Javier Vilcapoma, and Janeth Urquizo will read selected poems showcasing the beauty, experiences, and traditions of the Latin community. Note: Participating poets will have books available for sale and signing after the event.
Free | Multiple dates and times | Multiple locations
Lunch and Learn: “Bodega Stories” by Amaris Castillo
Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights
Free | Tuesday, September 15 at 12 pm | Adults
Virtual Event | Link
Book Discussion: “The Storyteller’s Death” by Ann Davila Cardinal
Free | Wednesday, September 16 at 6:30 pm | Adults
Virtual Event | Link
Lunch and Learn: “Property of the Revolution” by Ana Hebra Flaster
Co-presented with the Prince George’s County Office of Human Rights
Free | Tuesday, September 22 at 12 pm | Adults
Virtual Event | Link
Book Discussion: “Latina Superheroes (Volume 1): Jalisco and Santa” by Kayden Phoenix
Free | Wednesday, October 14 at 6 pm | Teens
Upper Marlboro Branch Library | Link
To discuss coverage opportunities, members of the media can contact PGCMLS Communications Specialist Alexis Gunderson at alexis.gunderson@pgcmls.info.
About the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System
The Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS) is a beacon within its diverse and dynamic community. The Library serves Prince George’s County, Maryland’s 966,000+ residents through 19 public branches, a law library in the County Correctional Center, various pop-up services and events, and 24/7 access to free online resources. As a trusted and responsive community leader, PGCMLS democratizes knowledge and opportunity by providing safe, accessible spaces where customers of all backgrounds can freely engage with the resources needed to build knowledge, literacy, skills, and creativity at every phase of life. Learn more at pgcmls.info/about-us.