Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15th to October 15th, 2023 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. The Library of Congress denotes this special month as a time to celebrate “…the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.” We at Books Are Wings want to honor the cultural, artistic and social contributions of the Hispanic and Latinx communities of Rhode Island this month, and all year long.

Books are Wings offers books in several languages and we are always seeking to diversify our collection and provide reading materials that represent the communities, children and schools that we work closely with. We need your help in ensuring that the books we provide meet the needs of YOUR community. We want to learn more about what titles, languages and themes are of the greatest interest to our readers.

Please take the time to fill out our reader survey, so that we can continue to offer FREE books in your area that reflect the interests of the children and families that make up Rhode Island’s many communities: BAW Reader Survey

Resources:

• The RI Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is an organization created to represent, promote and empower our growing Hispanic business community. Learn more here: https://www.rihispanicchamber.org

• Rhode Island Latino Arts was founded in 1988 as the Hispanic Heritage Committee and today is Rhode Island’s leading nonprofit organization exclusively dedicated to the promotion, advancement, development and cultivation of Latino arts. Learn more here: http://www.rilatinoarts.org

• RILPAC is a nonpartisan organization that educates elected officials, political leaders, and candidates in the concerns and priorities shared by Rhode Island Latinos; takes a stand on issues that impact the State's underrepresented communities; and supports candidates committed to improving the quality of life for Rhode Island Latinos. Learn more here: https://www.rilatinopac.com

• Progreso Latino’s mission is to help Rhode Island’s Latino and immigrant communities to achieve greater self-sufficiency and socio-economic progress by providing transformational programs that support personal growth and social change. Learn more here: https://progresolatino.org

• You can visit the national website for Hispanic Heritage Month here: https://www.hispanicheritagemonth.gov to learn more about National Hispanic Heritage Month, at the Library of Congress managed site.

Below, you will find ten children's books by Hispanic or Latinx authors and illustrators to read with your family to learn more about Latinx and Hispanic heritage: