PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – This fall, the Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) invites the community to celebrate Vida Latina, a month-long series of free events honoring the rich heritage, traditions and voices of Latin(e) communities. From Sept. 13 through Oct. 15, all 12 LBPL locations will host programs for all ages that highlight the diversity of Latin American cultures.

“Long Beach is proud to celebrate Vida Latina, a time when our community comes together to honor the history, traditions, and creativity of our Latin community,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “These events showcase the richness of Latin American culture and the many ways it continues to shape and inspire our city.”

This year’s theme—Unity and Herencia—celebrates coming together to honor the roots, resilience, and cultural connections that unite the community across the Latin(e) diaspora. Through art, storytelling, food and dance, Vida Latina is an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the past, embrace the present and look toward the future together.

“Vida Latina is a celebration of unity, resilience and heritage. This year, we are especially proud to highlight the many ways Latin American culture enriches our community and connects us across generations,” said Department of Library, Arts, and Culture Director Cathy De Leon. “Through art, dance, storytelling, and food, the library is excited to create opportunities where families and neighbors can come together, celebrate their roots, and learn from one another.”

Throughout the month, the Long Beach Public Library will bring Vida Latina to life with special events across the city, including Cruisin’ Long Beach: Celebrando la Cultura Lowrider. This one-of-a-kind event, which will take place Friday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Mark Twain Neighborhood Library (1401 E. Anaheim St.), will feature a lowrider car show, a mobile art gallery with Drive Savant Foundation’s DSF Werks project and hands-on crafts and activities that celebrate lowrider culture in style. For adults, select branches will also host Paint Your Own Cantaritos events—an opportunity to enjoy art, tradition and community in a hands-on way.

Special guests will be featured throughout Vida Latina to make the celebration even more exciting:

• Beloved bilingual storyteller Josue Cuentacuentos will share his energetic Selena Storytime at multiple branches.
• Acclaimed author Kayden Phoenix, creator of the Latina Superhero graphic novels, will lead a fun Create Your Own Superhero workshop on Saturday, Oct. 11 at 2 p.m., at Bach Neighborhood Library (4055 N. Bellflower Blvd.).
• Mike Alfaro, the creative force behind Sí Sabo Kids and Millennial Lotería, will lead an author talk on Friday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. at the Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway).
• Local artist Ruby Clouds, a Latin Alternative duo blending English and Spanish lyrics, will host a special after-hours event where music and literature come together, on Friday, Oct. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at Los Altos Neighborhood Library (5614 Britton Dr.)
• Yo Sabo Game creators will bring their lively game night on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at 4 p.m. at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library.

The festivities will wrap up with Vida Latina: La Gran Tardeada on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library (5870 Atlantic Ave.). This lively evening will bring the community together for live music, dancing and family-friendly crafts—a perfect way to close out a month of cultural celebration.

The Library’s Vida Latina celebration is generously supported by Long Beach Public Library Foundation and the Port of Long Beach. For the full schedule of programs and to learn more, visit the library events calendar, Vida Latina Reflections page or call the library at 562.570.7500.

About the City of Long Beach
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. For more information about the Long Beach Public Library visit www.lbpl.org and follow @lbcitylibrary on Facebook, X and Instagram.