Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15, the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries-Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico declared its independence on September 16, and Chile on September 18.

The term Hispanic, as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau, refers to Spanish-speaking people in the United States of any race. On the 2000 Census form, people of Spanish/Hispanic/Latino origin could identify themselves as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, or “other Spanish/Hispanic/Latino.” More than 35 million people identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino on the 2000 Census.

Source: FactMonster.com

To visit some websites with special activities and games about Hispanic Heritage, and to learn more through books click here!

 Students in grades K-5 are invited to design a bookmark celebrating “Our Hispanic Heritage.” Entries will be accepted September 1 through September 30.

Prizes (2 grade categories- Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5):

• 1st Place- $100 US Savings Bond and 100 bookmarks in each grade category. 
• 2nd Place- $50 US Savings Bond and 100 bookmarks in each grade category.

Click here for more information and to download an entry form!

Library + School = SUCCESS!

The School District of Hillsborough County school year begins on Tuesday, August 25.  Do you have your pencils? Do you have your paper?  Well, don’t forget to read some books to help you get ready!  Check out these books and websites to help you prepare…

The 2009-2010 Elementary Sunshine State Readers and 4th Grade Battle of the Books titles are available now. Click here to reserve your copies now!

The Be Creative @ Your Library Summer Program offers an opportunity for kids to let their imagination loose by listening to stories, songs, poetry and more! A variety of professional performers- from magicians, to musicians, to dancers- will be featured at the libraries this summer!

The Hillsborough County Public Schools and the Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative have also teamed up to help you explore your creativity with Summer Reading titles.

Click here for Summer Reading information and reading lists!

Though any time is the right time to let your dad know how special he is to you, there’s no better time than the third Sunday in June—Father’s Day.  First celebrated a century ago, Father’s Day was not recognized as an official holiday until President Nixon did so in 1972. And, did you know that roses are the official flower of Father’s Day? Okay, maybe your dad isn’t a flowers type of dad, but there is no doubt he’s the type of dad who will love any gift you give him.

Click here for more info on books and websites about Father’s Day!

The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970 and was thanks to the work of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson. At the time, the country was facing many serious environmental problems and Senator Nelson thought it was important to have one day when the nation could focus on those issues. Today, Earth Day is celebrated throughout the world. This is more important than ever as our planet is facing such growing threats as global warming and the loss of endangered animals. It is up to each of us to make a difference. What are some of the things you can do?

For more about Earth Day, click here!

Celebrate!

El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.

Click here for books and web sites about El día de los niños.

Celebremos!

El 30 de abril es una fecha muy significativa para los niños. Se celebra el día de los niños y de los libros. Esta celebración se conoce como El día de los niños/ El día de los libros, y celebra la alegría y las maravillas de la infancia y la importancia de los libros en nuestra vida. 

The Tampa-Hillsborough County Storytelling Festival is a fun time for you and your family to watch kids like you and professionals tell stories. It is an all-day event on April 18, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 pm at Hillsborough High School. Everyone is welcome and it is a free event.

Visit the Storytelling Festival 2009 website for more information and don’t forget to check out these related books and websites!

National Library Week is an annual celebration of the contributions of our nation’s libraries and librarians. Check out these books and websites, with library themes, that you can add to your “must read” list!