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Participants in the June 2024 Family Day, Thomas Jefferson Building, Washington D.C. Photo by Sarah Peet.

September Family Day Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month

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Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th. Here at the Library of Congress, the Informal Learning Office (ILO) starts the celebrations a day early with its latest monthly, in-person family program on Saturday, September 14th.

If you’re in the area, stop by the Thomas Jefferson Building and join us! Activities during the drop-in program (10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) are designed for kids and their families, but all ages are welcome. The event is free of charge; however, you will need to obtain free building passes. A limited number of walk-up tickets are available on the day, but registering in advance is the best way to guarantee entry at your preferred time. Request ADA accommodations five business days in advance at 202-707-6363 or by emailing [email protected].

An illustrated page from a 16th century book about the people of central Mexico.
A page from Historia general de las cosas de nueva España (General history of the things of New Spain), also known as the Florentine Codex. This encyclopedic work about the people and culture of central Mexico was compiled by Fray Bernardino de Sahagún (1499–1590), a Franciscan missionary who arrived in Mexico in 1529.

We’re offering two hands-on activities this Family Day. You can create your own mini book inspired by Latin American cartoneras, handcrafted and decorated books made from salvaged and recyclable materials. If you can’t be with us on the day, this blog post includes directions for how to make a cartonera at home. Find more inspiration for your own handmade book in