Three NOLS branches will display an educational poster set based on the bilingual Smithsonian traveling exhibition Bittersweet Harvest: The Bracero Program, 1942-1964. The six-poster set examines the largest Mexican guest worker program in U.S History.

The posters will be on view Sept. 15-29 at the Forks Branch Library, October 1-13 at the Port Angeles Main Library, and October 17-31 at the Clallam Bay Branch Library.

Braceros were guest laborers brought to the United States during and after World War II to work on short-term labor contracts. Facing labor shortages on the home front during World War II, the United States initiated a series of agreements with Mexico to recruit Mexican men to work on American farms and railroads. The Emergency Farm Labor Program, more familiarly known as the Bracero Program, enabled approximately 2 million Mexicans to enter the United States and work on short-term labor contracts. While the work was often grueling, the program offered Mexican men economic opportunity. The contributions made by these laborers have had significant impact on the political, economic, and social climate of both the United States and Mexico.

Author Donna Barba Higuera to discuss Lupe Wong Won’t Dance with students

The Forks Branch Library is hosting acclaimed Washington-based author Donna Barba Higuera for a visit with students from the Quileute Tribal School, and the Cape Flattery and Quilayute Valley School Districts on October 7 to discuss her book Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, available in Spanish as Lupe Wong No Baila. Students will gather at the Quillayute Valley School District campus for a series of presentations including a session for English language learners in middle and high school, a general session for all 7th graders, and a writers’ workshop for a smaller group. This event is for students and is not open to the general public.

Higuera’s books Lupe Wong Won’t Dance, El Cucuy Is Scared, Too!, and The Last Cuentista are available for checkout through NOLS. The books have won awards including the Newbery medal, both Pura Belpré medal and honor, Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association (PNBA) best book of the year award, and the Sid Fleischman award for best children’s humor book of the year.

Día de Culturas: Celebrando la Diversidad Latinoamericana

Library staff will be participating in a community celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 3-7 p.m. at Peninsula College, Forks campus. Everyone is invited to attend this free event that will expand cultural awareness and build connections.