Hispanic Heritage Month

Published on September 15, 2026

Each year, from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Americans whose heritage traces to Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Spain and Portugal. The observance begins on Sept. 15, a date that coincides with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American nations.

The City of Lakewood proudly joins communities, organizations and individuals across the nation in recognizing and celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Hispanic culture has profoundly enriched the fabric of American life through food, art, music and traditions. Today, Hispanic Americans represent nearly 20% of the nation’s population, making Hispanic Americans one of the largest and fastest-growing cultural communities in the United States. In Lakewood, more than 36% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, according to the latest Census figures.

Throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, the City of Lakewood celebrates the diverse traditions, experiences and accomplishments of our Hispanic and Latino community and recognizes the important role they play in making Lakewood a vibrant and welcoming place to live.

The City of Lakewood has issued a proclamation in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month (see side bar).

Resources to learn more

HispanicHeritageMonth.gov, a collaborative web portal project between multiple agencies including the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian and National Archives, offers a trove of information related to the commemoration, including special exhibits and collections, audio, videos and images.

Staff in the Library of Congress’s Hispanic Reading Room help researchers find materials on and from the Caribbean, Latin America, Spain and Portugal; the indigenous cultures of those areas; and persons with Portuguese or Spanish heritage in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas—including within the United States. Luckily, you don’t have to be in Washington D.C. to enjoy access-- the library’s comprehensive research guides are readily available online. 

Local library resources

Both Lakewood libraries will have Hispanic Heritage themed book displays and events for all ages all month long.

Attendance is limited for these programs and advance registration is required.

You can sign up with library staff or use the registration buttons for each library below.

Iacoboni Library events

Amate Bark Painting

• Sept. 10 at 4:30 p.m.
• Create an amate painting. Amate is a bark paper used in Mexico for centuries. Learn its history and recreate the special paper and artistic motifs. For teens ages 13-18.

Hispanic Heritage Month: Travel and Taste

• Sept. 30 at 6 p.m.
• Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month through famous places and traditional dishes. For adults.

STEAM Storytime with MakMo: Cardboard Guitars

• Oct. 20 at 5 p.m.
• Learn about the physics of music. Make your own guitar using a cardboard construction kit. Try to compose a song with your custom instruments! For ages 5–12.

Community Ofrenda

Iacoboni Library will also have a Community Ofrenda on display in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Design a picture frame to add to your ofrenda or to the library's community ofrenda. 

Register for Iacoboni Library events

Nye Library events

Milagro Hearts

• Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
• Milagro Hearts are decorative hearts made of metal and serve as offerings in Latin American Catholic traditions. They are gifted or displayed as expressions of gratitude, healing, love and hope. For adults.

Register for Nye Library events

Los Angeles County Library

The Los Angeles County Library has compiled a variety of resources to learn, watch, read and get crafty during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Explore the L.A. County Library's Hispanic Heritage Month webpage.