According to the Library of Congress “Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 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 Sept. 15 and ending on Oct. 15.”
In addition to the special Hispanic Heritage Month activities listed below the Lee County Library System also provides the following free, year round programs:
READY Shelf - Literacy Materials located at each branch to help adults improve their reading and writing skills in order to participate more fully in community life. These books, audio tapes, and videos have been gathered together and placed on distinctive Plexiglas shelving in each of our branch libraries. Download D
Depot Language Learning - Collection of downloadable audiobooks on learning common languages like Spanish, French and German, as well as 30 other languages from Arabic to Swahili.
Informe (in English or en Español) - Collection of Spanish magazines with full-text on subjects such as: Business, Health, Technology and Culture etc
Powerspeak - Online language learning program for learning Spanish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese and English (for Spanish Speakers).
Universal Class - Online language learning program for English as a Second Language (ESL) learning of basic English grammar and basic English writing.
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library
Mariposa Martinez and More Tales from Latin America 2 p.m. Monday, September 17 Storyteller and puppeteer Katie Adams will perform Hispanic stories with a dash of Spanish words and a splash of colorful shadow puppets. Stories include Mariposa Martinez, a Cuban tale, How Color Came to the World, an Aztec myth, The Proud Cuckoo Bird, a Mayan tale from Mexico, and Medio Pollito, a folktale from Spain that has traveled all over Latin America. A show that is sure to spark that creative fire! For ages 3 and up, families welcome. Study guide available. Free tickets are available in the library, or you may register online.
Lakes Regional Library
Every Child Ready to Read: Fun With Words 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 13 Discover the five early literacy practices, along with hands-on activities. We’ll make early literacy fun and easy! This program is for children aged 2-5 years, accompanied by parents, grandparents, or caregivers. Registration required.
Bonita Springs Public Library
Make a Guatemalan Worry Doll 2 p.m. Saturday, September 8 Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Bonita Springs Library! Join us to hear the folk tale of Guatemalan Worry Dolls and then make some of your own!
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ADULT PROGRAMS
Bonita Springs Public Library
English Café in Bonita Springs 10 a.m. Fridays, September 7, 14, 21, 28 & October 19, 26
Location: Literacy Council Gulf Coast, 26820 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.
Cape Coral-Lee County Public Library
English Café 6 p.m. Tuesdays, September 18, 25 & October 16, 23, 30
10 a.m. Fridays, September 14, 21, 28 & October 19, 26 Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.
Naturalization Information Session 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 26 Get answers to your naturalization questions at the library. Representatives from the U.S. Office of Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) will offer information on the naturalization process. Registration required.
East County Regional Library
English Café
10 a.m. Fridays, September 14, 21, 28 & October 19, 26
6 p.m. Mondays, September 17, 24 & October 15, 22, 29 Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.
Naturalization Information Session
6 p.m. Wednesday, October 17
Get answers to your naturalization questions in the library. Representatives from the U.S. Office of Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) will offer information on the naturalization process. Registration required.
Fort Myers-Lee County Public Library
Naturalization Information Session
6 p.m. Tuesday, September 18
Get answers to your naturalization questions at the library. Representatives from the US Office of Citizenship and Immigration Services will present information on the naturalization process. Registration required.
Lakes Regional Library
English Café 6 p.m. Mondays, September 17, 24 & October 15, 22, 29 Practice your English with English Cafe, a free conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.
Book Discussion: Jo Tuckman’s Of Mexico: Democracy Interrupted 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 16 In this vivid account of Mexico's recent history, journalist Jo Tuckman investigates Mexico's young democracy, its shortcomings and achievements, and why the PRI is favored to retake the presidency in 2012. Despite the complex challenges facing Mexico that Tuckman enumerates, she is still hopeful for the country's future. Registration requested.
Northwest Regional Library
Exhibit: Hemingway in Florida and Cuba September 1 – 14
Available during normal library operating hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Tuesday: 12 – 8 p.m.; Friday, Saturday: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hemingway in Florida and Cuba features photographs of Hemingway's life from 1929 to 1960, illustrated with text highlighting key events of this time. Sponsored by the Florida Center for the Book of Broward County.
English Café
10:30 a.m. Thursdays, September 13, 20, 27 & October 18, 25 Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.
Naturalization Information Session
6 p.m. Tuesday, October 23
Get answers to your naturalization questions in the library. Representatives from the U.S. Office of Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) will offer information on the naturalization process. Registration required.
South County Regional Library
English Café 6 p.m. Wednesdays, September 19, 26 & October 17, 24, 31 Practice your English with English Cafe, a free, conversation session for adult ESOL and ESL students. Each 90-minute session provides adult learners an opportunity to practice speaking English with native speakers. Participants may start at any time. Advanced registration is not necessary.
Conversational Spanish 2 p.m. Thursday, October 18 Join Lillian Scott as she provides an introduction to this popular language. Learn key phrases and basic pronunciation. Also discover library resources to expand your Spanish vocabulary. Registration required.
About the Lee County Library System:
The Lee County Library System serves Lee County with free books, downloadable eBooks, digital content, books-by-mail, bookmobile, electronic resources, music and movies, programs and meeting space. The Lee County Library System: strengthens the community by informing and enriching individuals; ensures equal and open access; defends intellectual freedom and the right to privacy; ensures that an individual’s economic status does not deter library use; commits to meeting customers’ needs; fosters a climate of mutual respect and trust; values and supports individual initiative; promotes cooperation, collaboration and connections; promotes lifelong reading; practices financial accountability and supports Lee County’s vision, mission and values.
All programs are free and open to the public. A sign language interpreter is available with 5 business days notice to library staff. Assistive listening system available; request at desk. Telephone Reference is available at 239-479-INFO (4636).
