Join us from September 15 to October 31, 2026 for Vida Latina, our homegrown celebration of Latin(e) culture, stories, and community. This year’s theme, Alumbra Tu Vida (Light Up Your Life), invites community members to find what brings light and joy into your life. For the full schedule of events, visit the Vida Latina event calendar.

Kick-Off Celebration: Una Tardeada con (An Evening with) Boleros with Attitude

September 17 from 5:30 – 6:30 PM at Billie Jean King Main Library

The Los Angeles-based trio Boleros with Attitude will perform a lively mix of traditional Latin folk music, romantic boleros, and original hip-hop. The all-ages performance blends music and storytelling to celebrate culture, creativity, and community.

Closing Celebration: La Gran Tardeada (The Big Evening)

October 16 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library

Join us for an evening of fun with activities and performances by:

• Selena tribute band Selenamos
• a children’s Bad Bunny puppet show
• a Latin idols costume contest for all ages
• karaoke, arts and crafts, and more!

Guests are encouraged to come dressed as a favorite Latin music icon, cultural figure, or even their favorite Lotería card.

Día de los Muertos

Ofrenda Comunitaria (Community Altar)

Every Friday in October from 3:00 – 5:00 PM at Harte Neighborhood Library

In October, Harte Library will turn its community room into a Day of the Dead altar. Each week will feature a craft focused on decorating a different part of the altar. Help us decorate ours or create crafts to decorate your own:

• October 2 – Cempasúchiles (Paper Marigolds) and Papel Picado
• October 9 – Mariposas (Paper Butterflies) and Papel Picado
• October 16 – Painted & Paper Calaveras and Coronas (Catrina Headpieces)
• October 23 and 30 – Marcos (Painted Picture Frames)

From Friday, October 23 through Saturday, October 31, you are invited to bring a 5x7-inch photo of your loved ones to add to the community altar. Photocopies will be made of originals and paper frames will be available to decorate.

Noche de Cuentos (Night of Storytelling)

October 30 at 5:30 PM at Harte Neighborhood Library

Acclaimed storyteller Olga Loya will perform her signature Day of the Dead show and lead a storytelling workshop for all ages in front of our completed community altar.

This program was made possible with support from REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking.

Booklists and More

• Booklist for kids
• Booklist for teens
• Booklist for adults
• Movie recommendations
• Music recommendations

As a public library, LBPL endeavors to be a space that promotes equity and inclusion for all communities, as well as the freedom to read. Conversations on race and culture can be challenging, difficult, and at times, uncomfortable. Books highlighted during cultural heritage months may be perceived as controversial and do not necessarily represent the views of all LBPL staff or the City as a whole.

Vida Latina is generously supported by the Long Beach Public Library Foundation, the Port of Long Beach, and REFORMA, The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking.