In May 2008, the U.S. Census Bureau announced that the nation's Hispanic population had increased by 1.4 million to reach 45.5 million on July 1, 2007--an increase to 15.1 percent of the estimated total U.S. population of 301.6 million. As immigrants arrive to the U.S. from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Central America, and South America, they bring with them a rich and varied culture. Their arrival also gives American citizens an opportunity to get to know them by exploring the many facets of Hispanic history and culture.

National Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15, so now is an ideal time to check your collection and stock up on books and resources about the people, events, customs, and traditions that are an integral part of the Hispanic community and culture.

From Cinco de Mayo, Day of the Dead, and Quinceñera celebrations to the histories of the Aztec, Maya, and Inca kingdoms, libraries can be a one-stop shop for information. Entice your patrons with books by famous Latino authors including Miguel Cervantes (Don Quixote), Isabel Allende (House of Spirits), and Gabriel Garcia Marquez (One-Hundred Years of Solitude). Or display iconic images created by such legendary artists as Picasso, Frida Kahlo, and Salvador Dalí.

Many entertainers are of Hispanic descent. Such legendary names as Desi Arnaz, Celia Cruz, and Tito Puente bring to mind the heyday of Havana's nightclubs with their mambo and salsa sounds. And Hollywood has a long history of Latino contributions, from Rita Hayworth and Fernando Lamas to today's hottest entertainers, including recent Oscar winner Javier Bardem (No Country for Old Men), Salma Hayek, and Jennifer Lopez. Make sure your patrons can check out biographies and books about these fascinating lives.

This list features titles about Hispanic heritage and Spanish-language titles for young readers.