UTA Libraries invites you to join us in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, observed annually from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. This monthlong celebration honors the rich culture, contributions, and history of Hispanic and Latino Americans, and our display on the second floor of the Central Library is designed to both educate and inspire our Maverick community. 

A Celebration Rooted in History 

 
Hispanic Heritage Month was established in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson as a weeklong observance. In 1988, under President Ronald Reagan, it was expanded to a whole month to allow for deeper recognition and celebration. The dates are significant, beginning on Sept. 15, which marks the Independence Days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico celebrates its Independence Day on Sept. 16 and Chile follows on Sept. 17. Starting mid-September, the celebration connects directly to these historic moments of freedom and resilience. 

The Importance of Representation 

 
For Experiential Learning Librarian Yuliana Nguyen, the display is more than showcasing books and films; it’s about representation and awareness.  

 
“We want to raise awareness to Hispanic Americans who have contributed to our great culture,” Nguyen said. “We celebrate Latino heritage by highlighting eBooks, physical books, databases, and even streaming films that students may not know are available to them. It also helps students feel represented.” 

Our Hispanic Heritage Month display includes: 

• Books and DVDs. You can check them out on the first floor with your ID.  
• Streaming films and documentaries are accessible through a simple QR code scan.
• Photos from our Special Collections and Archives, showcasing the powerful stories of Hispanic and Latino communities.
• Bookmarks and stickers to make exploring our collection meaningful and fun. 

More Than Just One Month 

 
While Hispanic Heritage Month is a highlight, this display is part of a year-round commitment. Each month, UTA Libraries staff from Special Collections, Access & Discovery and Experiential Learning worked together to create displays commemorating different heritage months, history months and commemorate days and themes. These monthly displays spotlight books, films, databases, and other resources that broaden understanding and celebrate diverse voices. 

From Black History Month to Women’s History Month and beyond, these rotating exhibits provide opportunities for Mavericks to learn, reflect and engage with the stories that have shaped our world. They remind us that libraries are not just places of study, but spaces of connection, inclusion, and community. 

 
Join the Celebration 

 
We invite you to stop by the second floor of the Central Library to explore the Hispanic Heritage Month display. Whether you pick up a book, scan a QR code for a streaming film or take home a bookmark, we hope you’ll find something that sparks curiosity and connection. 

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month, Mavericks! Let’s celebrate by honoring the past, appreciating the present and learning to prepare for the future.