Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month

Why September 15th - October 15th?

Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month (September 15 to October 15) recognizes the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx American champions who have inspired others to achieve success (Hispanic Heritage Month). We celebrate from September 15th to October 15th, as it is the anniversary of independence for a number Latin American and South American countries between these dates.

The day of September 15th is independence day for Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16th and September 18th, respectively. Also Día de la Raza, formally Columbus Day, which is October 11th or October 12th falls within these dates (Hispanic Heritage Month About Page).

Scroll to the bottom of the page for downloadable resource lists and resource trackers.

As part of our Read Wider program we have downloadable resource lists and resource trackers.

Downloadable resource lists are full of books, movies, music, and online resources. Each list is carefully curated by our collection librarians to highlight own-voice stories, stories of struggle, and stories of strength.

Resource trackers for kids and teens or adults are a great way to record and highlight your favorite books, movies, music, and online resources for this month. Teens can choose to use the kids and teens or the adult resource tracker. 

What is the difference between Hispanic, Latino/a, and Latinx?

Hispanic refers only to those born in or with ancestors from Spanish-speaking Central and South American countries, Spanish-speaking Caribbean countries and territories, and Spain.

Latino/a refers to anyone born in or with ancestors from Central and South American countries and Brazil. 

Latinx is a gender neutral term that also encompasses both Latino and Latina.

Hispanic refers more to language and Latino/a/x to culture.

Please note: These categories refer only to a person's origin and ancestry. A Latino/a/x or Hispanic person can be any race or color. Most people preferred to be identified by their or their ancestors' specific country of origin.

(Learn more at Britannica).

Support Local Organizations

El Sol del Valle

The Sopris Sun is Carbondale, Colorado’s nonprofit weekly newspaper. It endeavors to reflect the diverse faces and stories of Carbondale and the Roaring Fork Valley. This year The Sopris Sun add a Spanish news section called el Sol del Valle. Popular news stories are translated either from Spanish to English or from English to Spanish. Pick up new copies of The Sopris Sun and el Sol del Valle on Wednesdays.

Find news stories in English at The Sopris Sun and in Spanish at el Sol del Valle.

English in Action

English In Action is a non-profit dedicated to helping immigrants learn English and develop the skills they need to pursue their dreams. They bridge cultural divides and offer opportunities to celebrate and learn about our diverse community. 

If you want to become a student with English In Action, please contact their office at 970-963-9200 or email info@englishinaction.org.

If you would like to become a tutor with English In Action, please visit their information and sign up page.

Voces Unidas de las Montañas

Voces Unidas is a non-profit social justice organization that creates opportunities where Latinas and Latinos advocate for themselves, actively participate in all civic institutions and take leadership roles in all decision-making tables. It is the first Latino-created, Latino-led advocacy non-profit in Garfield, Eagle and Pitkin counties.

Find resources, events, and news stories in English and Spanish at Voces Unidas.

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