Palatine Public Library District Receives Latino Americans - 500 Years of History Grant
(Palatine, IL) - This spring, Palatine Public Library District presents Latino Americans: 500 Years of History, a grant project from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the American Library Association (ALA). As one of 203 grant recipients selected from across the country, Palatine Public Library District will use the $3,000 grant funding to present programming about Latino history and culture.
"We are honored to be selected for this grant and look forward to offering many films, performances, programs, and exhibits about Latino Americans-our country's largest minority group," says Kris Kenney, Information Services Manager.
One of the special exhibits: Voces Americanas: Latino Literature in the United States will be on display Monday, March 14 - Thursday, April 14, with an Opening Reception on Thursday, March 24, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. All are welcome to attend. This celebratory survey of works by Latinos over the past 30 years, features images of authors, books, movie stills, public presentations, and illustrations to enjoy.
Another creative exhibit, Musica of my Heart, explores some of the most popular genres of Latin American music, on display from Monday, March 14 through Saturday, April 30.
The Library also received the NEH-supported documentary film "Latino Americans," created for PBS in 2013 by the WETA public television station. This series chronicles the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century to present day. Two episode screenings at the Main Library on Saturday, April 16: "Foreigners in their Own Land" from 10:00 a.m. - Noon, and "War and Peace" from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. will be introduced by Simón Eduardo Weffer, Associate Professor of Sociology and The Center for Latino and Latin American Studies, Northern Illinois University, with a brief discussion afterward. Learn more about the series at www.pbs.org/latino-americans/en.
Throughout the month of April, visitors will enjoy literature, entertaining events, awarding-winning films and exhibits, and additional programs for all ages designed to celebrate Latino American culture. The award-winning Mexican Folkloric Dance Company performs at Cutting Hall in Palatine on Sunday, April 17. Four Latino American Films: Spare Parts, A Better Life, Mad Hot Ballroom, and The Longoria Affair, will be shown at various locations, with discussion afterward. For a full schedule of events, please visit www.palatinelibrary.org/LA500 or call (847) 358-5881, ext. 169.
The Latino Americans: 500 Years of History grantees represent many states, the District of Columbia, public and community college/university libraries and organizations, state humanities councils, museums, and other nonprofit organizations.
For information about the National Endowment for the Humanities, visit www.neh.gov. More information about the American Library Association can be found at www.ala.org.
Palatine Public Library District is your destination for knowledge, entertainment, and community. The District serves approximately 90,000 residents predominantly within the communities of Palatine and Hoffman Estates.