The Library celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15) with special events, a collection of book recommendations, film offerings, and other resources that explore a rich array of the experiences and perspectives of Americans with roots in Spain, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Spanish-speaking nations of the Caribbean.

Spanish-language materials, from books to DVDs, are available at several branches, such as Ruiz and North-East. You can also browse materials in 17 languages, including Spanish, in the World Languages Collection housed at the Central Library.

Here are some of the ongoing activities. For a full list of what's going on around the system, a button is below.

North-East Branch

Ofrenda Comunitaria | Drop-in Community Altar

Multiple dates throughout September

Diseña y decora nuestra ofrenda comunitaria con flores cempasúchil, marcos de fotos, calaveras, papel picado y más! Nuestra ofrenda se presentara en la exposición del Dia de los Muertos en el Centro Cultural de Mattie Rhodes! Recomendado para edades 5 a 18.

Design and decorate our community altar with DIY marigolds, photo frames, sugar skulls, and more! Our altar will be featured in the Day of the Dead exhibition at the Mattie Rhodes Cultural Center. Best for ages 5 to 18.

Cuentos Infantiles en Espanol | Storytime in Spanish

Multiple dates throughout September

Cantamos, leemos, y jugamos en Español para desarrollar el aprendizaje de sus niños pre-escolares! Edades 0-5.

Bring your little one to learn and practice Spanish during our immersive storytime followed by a fun learning activity! Ages 0-5.

Bluford Branch

Sunday Game Spotlight

2-4 p.m. Guacamelee! every Sunday in September

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the spotlight shines on Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition! Guacamelee! is an action-platformer Metroidvania with visuals inspired by traditional Mexican art and folklore from by art director Cuxo Quijano. Players control Juan Aguacate and Tostada, two undead luchadores empowered by mystical masks in their quest to stop the evil charro, Carlos Calaca! Wrestle alebrije-style spirits, save Juan's love Lupita, and preserve the barrier between the worlds of the living and the dead! Guacamelee! Super Turbo Championship Edition is rated E10+ for everyone 10 and up for fantasy violence, language, mild blood, suggestive themes, and use of alcohol.

Central Library

Movies in the Durwood Film Vault

2 p.m. movies daily

View all Hispanic Heritage Activities

Library Resources

Browse digital photos from the extensive Guadalupe Center Collection on KCHistory.org, the online presence of the Library’s Missouri Valley Special Collections.

Established in 1919, the Guadalupe Center originally served as a settlement house and gathering place for the growing community of Mexican immigrants residing on the West Side of Kansas City. The center offered a variety of programs, including medical clinics, classes, music and dance groups, sports teams, and social clubs. The Guadalupe Center Collection contains scrapbooks, photographs, programs, histories, and records that document an early period of the organization’s activities.

Browse Images

Movies

Watch a selection of cinema celebrating Latino Heritage - documentaries, dramas, comedies, and more - streamed to your computer or mobile device using the Library's free digital service Kanopy.

Films on Kanopy

Suggested Reading

Explore suggested reading from Library staff and community-created lists in our catalog that includes everything from history and non-fiction to popular fiction titles.