During September, the Fort Bend County Libraries will celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with a variety of activities at its various branches. Hispanic Heritage Month is a cultural recognition that began as a weeklong celebration in 1968 and became an annual 30-day celebratory awareness period honoring the culture, diversity, traditions, cuisines, and histories of Hispanic Americans.


National Hispanic Heritage Month takes place Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 each year.


SEPT. 12

Talk Back Book Club: Cristina Henriquez | 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Missouri City Branch Library

Missouri City Branch Library’s Talk Back Book Club meets on the second Saturday of each month to cover a variety of fiction and nonfiction titles, and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the book club will discuss “The Book of Unknown Americans” by Cristina Henríquez at its Sept. 12 meeting, taking place from 11 a.m. to noon in the library’s Conference Room. Please keep in mind that although a limited number of copies of each month’s selection are available after each month’s book club meeting, the title is also available as an eBook or streaming audiobook on Libby/Overdrive. The Book of Unknown Americans is a 2014 novel primarily set in Newark, Delaware, that gives readers a perspective of Latin American immigrants living in the US. The Missouri City Branch Library is at 1530 Texas Parkway in Missouri City. Reach the branch at 281-238-2100.


Art with Frida Kahlo | 2-2:45 p.m. | Sugar Land Branch Library

On Sept. 12, Express Children’s Theatre, Houston’s oldest and largest multicultural performing arts and education organization, will provide community youth with an interactive performance centering on iconic artist Frida Kahlo. As part of the Express Children’s Theatre performance, Frida will travel from 1940s Mexico to the present day to lead the hands-on art class, recommended for children in grades 4-8. Participants will make self-portraits and learn about Frida in the process. Frida Kahlo is a Mexican artist born in 1907 known for her self-portraits that often depicted her physical and emotional pain. She was primarily a self-taught artist, and her pieces are infused with Mexican culture and traditions. Her art also incorporates surrealism and symbolism. Records show that her works influenced and impacted feminist movements and contemporary art. To this day, she remains a feminist icon whose work is celebrated. “An Art Class with Frida Kahlo” will take place from 2-2:45 p.m. in the library’s Meeting Room, and the materials will be provided. The Sugar Land Branch Library is at 550 Eldridge Road in Sugar Land. Reach the branch by calling 281-238-2140.


SEPT. 15

Literary Explorers Book Club: Hispanic Authors | 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | University Branch Library

Anyone wanting to explore Hispanic authors should attend the University Branch Library’s nontraditional book club — the Literary Explorers Book Club on Sept. 15. What makes this club non-traditional is that it invites readers to gather and discuss books that follow a prompt rather than assigning a book. Each month presents a different prompt; this month’s prompt is “The Book Came First,” or in other words, books with TV and/or film adaptations. “Literary Explorers Book Club: Hispanic Authors” will take place from 2:30-3:30 p.m. in Conference Room 1. Registration is not required. The University Branch Library is at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. Reach the branch by calling 281-633-5100.



SEPT. 19

Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston | 10:30-11:30 a.m. | First Colony Branch Library

It will be a first-come, first-served, energetic and vibrant atmosphere at First Colony Branch Library when Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston makes its appearance on Sept. 19 from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., celebrating Hispanic heritage through a colorful and cultural display of dances that showcase the vestuario (or costumes) and dances from different regions of Mexico. This program will encourage attendees to immerse themselves in traditional indigenous culture and folkorico art as Herencia Mexicana brings its most talented young dancers to the stage. “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Ballet Folklorico Herencia Mexicana de Houston” is made possible by the Friends of the First Colony Library. The library is at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Reach the branch by calling 281-238-2800.


Homemade Salsa Showdown | 2 – 3 p.m. | University Branch Library

Have a bit of a competitive nature, enjoy culinary chemistry, and have you developed a keen salsa recipe? Then consider registering for the University Branch Library’s 2nd Annual Homemade Salsa Showdown on Sept. 19. The library is inviting community members of all ages to flaunt their homemade salsas or taste and vote on their favorite local, homemade salsa. Whether competitors are seasoned home chefs or kitchen experimenters, this is their chance to bring the flavor and earn some bragging rights (and maybe a prize). One lucky winner will be awarded the People’s Choice Award for Best Salsa. Registration is only required if a participant wants to compete. However, salsa tasting and voting are open to all.

ENTRY RULES:

· One entry per person or team.

· All salsas must be homemade. No store-bought jars or mixes.

· Any variety is welcome: red, green, fruit-based, spicy, mild, etc.

· A list of all ingredients must be provided before September 19.

· Competitors must provide at least 2 quarts of salsa for public tasting.

The “Homemade Salsa Showdown” will take place from 2 – 3 p.m. in Meeting Room 1 and is sponsored by the Friends of University Branch Library and HEB. The library is at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. Reach the branch at 281-633-5100.


Taste of Salsa | 2-4 p.m. | George Memorial Library

Head to the George Memorial Library on Sept. 19 for a flavorful and celebratory afternoon recognizing Hispanic heritage as the library hosts a salsa tasting coupled with mocktails. Visitors will explore the history, ingredients, and varieties of salsa and learn about different styles of salsa, sample a variety of fresh recipes, and discover healthy snack ideas. This family-friendly event is perfect for anyone who enjoys cooking, trying new foods, or learning about different cultures. The delicious mocktails will complement each salsa. The “Taste of Salsa” will take place from 2-4 p.m. in the Meeting Room and is sponsored by the Friends of the George Memorial Library. The library is at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond. The branch can be reached at 281- 342-4455.


SEPT. 21

Culinary Club: Hispanic Heritage | 2-3:30 p.m. | University Branch Library

The University Branch Culinary Club is a monthly potluck and recipe exchange experience in which participants sample one another’s culinary creations, discuss recipes, and share kitchen experiences. Each month presents a new theme, and on Sept. 21 the theme will be Hispanic Heritage. The class will run 2-3:30 p.m. For those looking for inspiration for their dishes, consider the library’s cookbook

collection. “Culinary Club: Hispanic Heritage” will take place in Meeting Room 1. Registration is not required. The University Branch Library is at 14010 University Boulevard in Sugar Land. Reach the branch by calling 281-633-5100.


Lotería Card Art for Teens | 5-6 p.m. | George Memorial Library

Teens can give it a go at designing a traditional Mexican board game of chance, known as Mexican picture bingo or Lotería, on Sept. 21 at the George Memorial Library. From 5-6 p.m., students in grades 9 – 12 can use gems, markers, metallic accents, and other embellishments to transform a traditional card into a one-of-a-kind piece of art to take home and display. The supplies needed for this class will be provided to the students. Registration is recommended for this class. “Lotería Card Art for Teens” will take place in Room 2A and was made possible by the Friends of the George Memorial Library. The library is at 1001 Golfview Drive in Richmond. The branch can be reached at 281- 342-4455.


A Taste of Latin American Heritage | 6 p.m. | Mission Bend Branch Library

Patrons can prepare their palate and explore the flavors of Latin American cuisine on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Mission Bend Branch Library, where Prairie View A&M Extension Office County Extension Agent Erica Knighton will present “A Taste of Latin American Heritage.” This program will demonstrate how to prepare healthy, delicious meals with a unique Latin American flair. Registration is required and can be completed online, in person, or by calling 832-471-5908. The Mission Bend Branch Library is at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road in Houston. Reach the branch by calling 832-471-5900.


Sept. 24

Virtual Authors Talk: Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art (In English & Spanish) | 6 p.m. | Virtual Program

On Sept. 24, multi–Latin Grammy Award–winning musician, artist, and celebrated children’s author Lucky Diaz will lead an energetic conversation about his bilingual picture book, “Paletero Man.” A six-time Emmy-nominated songwriter and Berklee College of Music alumnus, Diaz made history as the first North American children’s artist to win a Latin Grammy. His work bridges music and storytelling, creating a distinct body of bilingual work rooted in the cultural life of Mexican American communities in Los Angeles. Inspired by the vibrant rhythms of Los Angeles and Diaz’s own hit song, “Paletero Man” invites readers into a sun-drenched neighborhood where the ring of a bell means the best treat of the day is just around the corner. As an author, Diaz has earned some of the highest honors in publishing. His breakout title “Paletero Man” received a Kirkus star and audiobook distinction and was awarded the 2024 Alma Flor Ada Award for its lasting contribution to Latino-centered storytelling. He is also a recipient of the Parent’s Choice Gold Award and a NAPPA Award, further recognizing his impact on family audiences. His latest book, Fix-It Familia, continues to build national recognition, with a Spanish edition arriving this summer, expanding access to bilingual readers and classrooms across the country. The virtual talk “Where the Paletero Man Goes: A Journey of Neighborhood, Music, and Art” will have two sessions — one in English and one in Spanish. The English talk will take place at 6 p.m., and the Spanish talk at 7 p.m. Register for this virtual author talk session at https://libraryc.org/fortbendlibraries.

Sept. 26

Mini Piñata | 2 p.m. | First Colony Branch Library

Put your creativity to work and visit the First Colony Branch Library on Sept. 26 to create a mini piñata to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. During this program, participants will be decorating their own mini piñata with colorful crepe paper to take home. “Mini Pinata” will take place at 2 p.m. in the library’s Conference Room and is made possible by the Friends of First Colony Branch Library. Registration is

required. The First Colony Branch Library is at 2121 Austin Parkway in Sugar Land. Reach the branch at 281-238-2800.


Mixteco Ballet Folklórico | 2:30 p.m. | Mission Bend Branch Library

Families are encouraged to visit the Mission Bend Branch Library on Sept. 26 to experience Mixteco Ballet Folklórico, presented by Young Audiences of Houston. Mixteco Ballet Folklórico is a cultural dance company dedicated to the research, preservation, and education of Mexican customs, traditions, and culture through the art of music and dance. Founded in 1992, the organization’s mission is to engage Houston-area youth in enriching cultural activities that foster artistic awareness and community pride. “Mixteco Ballet Folklorico presented by Young Audiences of Houston” will take place at 2:30 p.m. The Mission Bend Branch Library is at 8421 Addicks Clodine Road in Houston. Reach the branch by calling 832-471-5900.


SEPT. 28

Sugar Skulls | 5-6:30 p.m. | Cinco Ranch Branch Library

Visitors ages 14 years and older can participate in the Cinco Ranch Branch Library’s “Sugar Skulls” program on Sept. 28 in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. Calaveras de azúcar (sugar skulls) are a form of confectionery art created in many Latin American countries to celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Patrons can visit the library’s Conference Classroom from 5 – 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the holiday and decorate their very own sugar skull using icing, colorful foil, sprinkles, and sequins. The Cinco Ranch Branch Library is at 2620 Commercial Center Blvd. in Katy. Reach the branch at 281- 395-1311.