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Hispanic Heritage Month: Home

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Explore books, streaming videos, databases, and more from the SCC library and learn about Hispanic Heritage in the United States.

What is Hispanic Heritage Month?

"Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period."

From https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov

Juan Felipe Herrera

Juan Felipe Herrera

Juan Felipe Herrera became U.S. poet laureate in 2015, capping a career in letters that began in the gritty outsider-arts scene in Southern California. The first Hispanic American to serve as poet laureate, Herrera has produced several volumes of verse as well as bilingual books for children. "I'm a political poet," he cheerfully admitted to Washington Post writer Ron Charles, further describing himself as "a poet that's concerned with the plight of people who suffer. If words can be of assistance, then that's what I'm going to use."

Read more about Herrera and his work.

"Juan Felipe Herrera." Newsmakers, vol. 3, Gale, 2015. Gale In Context: Biography, Accessed 23 Aug. 2023.

Browse selected titles below from the SCC Library then search for more print books and ebooks.

Browse Non Fiction ebooks from the SCC Library

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Latino Almanac

Commemorating and honoring Latino achievements, honors, and influence, this important book brings to light all there is to admire and discover about Latino Americans!

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Strictly Dynamite

Before Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria, and Penelope Cruz, there was Lupe Velez--one of the first Latin-American stars to sweep past the xenophobia of old Hollywood and pave the way for future icons from around the world. This biography finally gives the remarkable Mexican actress the unique and nuanced portrait she deserves.

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Day of the Dead in the USA

Honoring relatives by tending graves, building altars, and cooking festive meals has been a major tradition among Latin Americans for centuries. A testament to the complex role of media and commercial forces in constructions of ethnic identity.

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Latin American Artists

The essential survey showcasing the work of more than 300 modern and contemporary artists born or based in Latin America. 

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Asada

With Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling, Mexican food authorities and the authors of Oaxaca, Bricia Lopez and Javier Cabral, are back with more than 100 recipes that show you how to prepare the right dishes and drinks for your next Carne Asada gathering. 

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Thriving in the Fight

Social justice work is more crucial than ever, but it can be physically and emotionally draining. Longtime activist Denise Collazo offers three keys to help Hispanic women keep their focus, morale, and energy high.

Browse Books by Hispanic American Fiction Writers

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The Bewitching

Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga.

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Brownstone

 Almudena has always wondered about the dad she never met. Now she's left alone with her Guatemalan father for an entire summer. Xavier seems happy to see her, but he expects her to live in (and help fix up) his old, broken-down brownstone. And all along, she must navigate the language barrier of his rapid-fire Spanish--which she doesn't speak. 

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Los Muertos

This is the first anthology of fiction relating to or inspired by Dia de los Muertos. From solemn ofrendas and milagros to everyday acts far removed from any trace of pan de muerto or papel picado, these diverse stories call us to appreciate the holiday's broader cultural significance.

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Canto Contigo

Canto Contigo is a love letter to Mexican culture, family and legacy, the people who shape us, and allowing ourselves to forge our own path. At its heart, this is one of the most glorious rivals-to-lovers romance about finding the one who challenges you in the most extraordinary ways.

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Call Me Iggy

Call Me Iggy tells the story of Iggy searching for his place in his family, his school, his community, and his country. Perfect for lovers of multigenerational stories like Displacement and The Magic Fish. 

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Spanish Is the Language of Family

An intergenerational story of family ties, cultural pride, and spelling bee victory following a young boy who bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish. 

Watch Streaming Videos from the SCC Library

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Raul Julia: The World's a Stage

Raúl Juliá: The World’s A Stage examines the life and career of entertainer Raúl Juliá. The documentary is a revealing portrait of the actor, who earned recognition for his versatility on stage and on screen.

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From Dos Laredos to Mars

Pati Jinich, chef and James Beard Award-winning host, travels from Laredo and Nuevo Laredo to Brownsville, Texas. She learns how family bonds are an underlying theme connecting everything in the Laredos, and throughout La Frontera

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Frida Kahlo

Who was Frida Kahlo? Everyone knows her, but who was the woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life. Making use of the latest technology to deliver previously unimaginable quality, we take an in-depth look at key works throughout her career.

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Diego Maradona

From Oscar®-winning director Asif Kapadia, HBO Sports presents the extraordinary story of Argentinean soccer legend Diego Maradona, the most celebrated and polarizing player of his generation.

Library Databases For Researching Hispanic Heritage

Find articles, images, and more in these library databases. 

Streaming Videos

Browse more Hispanic Heritage streaming videos from the SCC Library.

General Research Resources