Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with SFPL's exciting lineup of programs. Dive into Latinx culture, creativity and history through our diverse and dynamic events—all free at the Library. And this is just a taste. For creative arts, film and ¡VIVA! book clubs and recommended reading, visit sfpl.org/viva. ¡Bienvenidos! 

New this year, the Library is showcasing the work of Calixto Robles. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, Robles is a painter, printmaker and ceramic sculptor who lives and works in San Francisco’s Mission District. His artwork is inspired by the ancestral myths and symbols of the Indigenous traditions of Mesoamerica. Robles is a member of the California Society of Printmakers and has taught at Mission Cultural Center since the 1990s. His work has been widely exhibited and included in important museum collections such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C. Robles will be hosting two free public programs at the Library’s Portola and Bernal Heights Branches.

Screenprinting with Calixto Robles – Sept. 15, 2 p.m., Portola Branch 

Bernal Community: Día de Los Muertos – Oct. 27, 3 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch 

Adult Events

Berkeley Rep Docent Talk on Mexodus – Learn about the play Mexodus and its historical context, including the Underground Railroad’s southward route into Mexico. Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m., Main Library, Learning Studio, 5th Floor

Screening & Panel Discussion: Los Guardianes del Maíz – Experience the impactful film Los Guardianes del Maíz/The Keepers of Corn, followed by a panel with director Gustavo Vázquez and producers Jonathan Barbieri and Yira Vallejo. Discover the story of Indigenous farmers preserving native corn traditions over 350 generations. Sept. 14, 2 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium

Presentation: The Mexican Press, Revolution to the Present Day – Historian Benjamin T. Smith explores the role of Mexico’s press from the Revolution to today, including issues of censorship and journalism. Sept. 27, 10 a.m., Virtual Library 

An Afternoon of Latin Rhythms – Groove to the rhythms of Salsabrosos, where salsa, timba and more come alive in an unforgettable performance. Oct. 6, 3 p.m., Marina Branch 

Bay Area Latinx Voices in Documentary – Partnering with Film SF, we present screenings of powerful documentaries by Bay Area Latinx filmmakers. Enjoy a pre-event happy hour. Oct. 8, 4 p.m., Koret Auditorium, Main Library

Latino Poetry: Places We Call Home/Ars Topográfica – Salvadoran poets explore home, eco-consciousness, and gentrification, hosted by Leticia Hernández-Linares. Featuring Claudia Castro Luna, M.K. Chávez and more, these events include readings and discussions celebrating Latino poetry's legacy. A major public humanities initiative directed by Library of America and funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities and Emerson Collective. 

Oct. 9, 12:30–1:30 p.m. & 2–3 p.m., San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue,

Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Medicine for Nightmares Bookstore

Ofrendas & Music: Día de los Muertos at Bernal Heights – Celebrate our 3rd Annual Día de los Muertos with Calixto Robles and René y Familia. Create a community altar and enjoy live music. Oct. 27, 3 p.m., Bernal Heights Branch 

Youth Events

Graphic Novel Book Clubs: Francisco Jimenez’s The Circuit – Sept. 16, 4 p.m., Bayview Branch 

Mariela’s Music Time – Listen to an exciting, energetic and interactive bilingual performance in Spanish and English filled with rhythms and multicultural sounds. For children 5 and younger and their families. Sept. 24, 3 p.m., Presidio Branch 

Robert Liu-Trujillo – Author and illustrator reads his latest book, Fresh Juice. Stay after the read-aloud for book signing and a fresh juice-making activity. For children and their families. Oct. 9, 4 p.m., Casa de Apoyo, 4834 Mission St. 

Sendy Santamaria –Author-illustrator of Yenebi’s Drive to School and 2024 Summer Stride featured artist leads a workshop for participants to illustrate their feelings using acrylic paints. For children and families. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-5660. Oct. 10, 3 p.m., Portola Branch 

Cascada de Flores – In an original bilingual story told with music and dance, “Treasure of the Aquiles,” Cascada de Flores tells stories from Mexico and Latin America, while you sing and dance along. Oct. 19, 2 p.m., Ortega Branch 

All-Ages Events 

Día de la Ingeniería/Latinx Engineering Day at The Exploratorium – In partnership with the SF Bay Area chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and San Francisco Public Library, The Exploratorium will host its annual Día de la Ingeniería/Latinx Engineering Day. Families can meet Latinx engineers and participate in playful hands-on activities highlighting the science and engineering heritage of Latinx communities. This annual program is conducted bilingually in Spanish and English. Sept. 28, 10 a.m., The Exploratorium, Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street) 

Model Magic Alebrijes with Rachel-Anne Palacio – Discover the colorful art form of alebrijes, created in Oaxaca from wood and natural dyes with local artist Rachel-Anne Palacios. Create an alebrije out of model magic and add details with markers. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 355-2800. Oct. 5, 2 p.m., Mission Arts Center, 745 Treat Ave. 

Salsabrosos – Local Bay Area musicians play traditional Latin genres with an emphasis on Cuban music: salsa, son, timba, bachata y más. Oct. 6, 3 p.m., Marina Branch 

3D-printed Sugar Skull – Learn how to use the online software Tinkercad to create simple 3-dimensional models of traditional ornamental skulls for  Día de los Muertos, and decorate a 3D-printed skull to take home. Youth under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Space limited. Reservations required: (415) 557-4388. Oct. 26, 2 p.m., Main Library, The Bridge, 5th Floor