Community, culture, and connection: Hispanic Heritage Month at Northfield Public Library

To commemorate the start of Hispanic Heritage month (intercheangeable with Latino Heritage Month), Northfield Public Library held its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (HHMC) to honor and recognize the histories, heritage, and culture of these diverse communities, and the vital role they have in shaping our collective story. This event consisted of traditional performances, awe-inspiring art, community-based organizations, and amazing food - all of which I was able to experience first-hand! Filled with energy and color, the event not only highlighted the richness of Hispanic and Latino cultures, but also the library’s role in community building and as a space where everyone belongs.

What started as an attempt to create a sense of belonging for many feeling homesick became a large-scale and necessary anchor in an increasingly diverse community. Angelica Linder, Outreach Manager at the Northfield Public Library, played a key role in getting this event off the ground. She identified the growing need for opportunities for her family and a rapidly growing Hispanic/Latino community to celebrate their heritage: “raising my kids as Colombian Americans, I wanted to give them a space to celebrate their culture and heritage in their hometown. Also, for a number of reasons, sometimes our community members can't return to their home country to celebrate." With the support of Northfield Public Library and director Natalie Draper, Angelica set out to bridge these gaps at the library through a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. From a relatively small start, hosting in front of their building, to this year filling up an entire city park, they have worked tirelessly to grow the impact and reach of this event.

Angelica and organizers focus on culturally relevant and representative programming for this event, making sure to highlight all aspects of Hispanic and Latino culture and identity. During the planning process, Angelica explained that “We work to break down the concept of our Hispanic community as a monolith by highlighting the uniqueness of each individual country. We routinely switch up our music and dance acts to spread the wealth and show the true diversity of our larger Latino community.” An example of this includes their “Parade of Flags," which offers participants the opportunity to showcase and celebrate underrepresented or lesser-known countries. This parade particularly hits home for participants, with Linder commenting that “Many find our Parade of Flags to be an emotional event. For individuals who don't often get the chance to pronounce their heritage with pride, getting the opportunity to dress in traditional garb, carry their country's flag, and declare their nationality for all to hear is a powerful experience that has drawn tears from flagbearers and event attendees."

This Hispanic Heritage Celebration has sparked new traditions and opportunities for community members. Northfield Danza Maya was created to perform at this event. Many vendors who launched licensed food businesses in order to participate in this event have gone on to be successful businesses beyond this event. With families, entrepreneurs, and volunteers all contributing their time and talents, the event embodies true community collaboration and cultural pride. It has also led the way for other cultural celebrations, including collaboration with St. Olaf for a Celebrate Asia Pasifika event centered around AANHPI heritage.

As someone visiting Northfield for the first time for this event, it was as if I had stepped into a space I had known my whole life. Each station I stopped a sparked an opportunity for connection and engaging conversations, while the main stage showcased cultural performances such as the Baile Folklórico de México. There was vibrant art in every corner, a standout being the Alebrijes showcase tabled by Gustavo Boada, and various vendors providing a taste of home. This event fostered an extremely welcoming environment, being celebrated by both Hispanic and non-Hispanic attendees. It is clear to tell that this is a community united behind a common purpose, and one that will continue to grow and persevere.  

Northfield Public Library’s commitment to serving its community doesn't just stop at its annual event. They provide diverse and culturally-representative programming year-round. Examples include Spanish-language technology classes, bilingual book clubs, a bookmobile to increase access, and frequent workshops to address the changing needs of their patrons. This event is a culmination of years of community building and commitment to serving patrons. It has become a mainstay and source of pride in Northfield, with Angelica stating, “We are honored to give our community a space to celebrate and represent their culture here.”