Community News

BUFFALO, N.Y. – October 3, 2024 – In 1964, a new chapter in Buffalo’s story unfolded with the opening of the Central Library: a striking midcentury marvel that brought together three local libraries under one roof. This October, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library proudly celebrates the 60th anniversary of this iconic institution—a testament to the city’s enduring love for knowledge, community, and intellectual freedom. The Central Library was designed by James W. Kideney & Associates, now Kideney Architects. Standing at the heart of downtown Buffalo – a bookend to City Hall – the Central Library has not only housed millions of books and media, but also nurtured generations hungry to learn, grow, and innovate. As we reflect on six decades of its service, we invite the community to join us in celebrating this living symbol of Buffalo’s vibrant past, present, and future. Two signature events will mark the occasion: Wednesday, October 16, 5-7 PM: A special toast to the Central Library, and fundraiser in support of the Library’s Bucks for Books program, at Big Ditch Brewing Company. Tickets are available here. Media passes provided as requested. Friday, October 18, 3-5 PM: A free, public celebration at the Central Library, where history will come alive with displays, activities, and stories honoring the Library’s role in shaping Buffalo’s cultural landscape. Library Director John Spears reflects on the occasion: “We celebrate the Central Library’s 60 years of service, and honor the entire Library System with the same vigor and pride. It represents the soul of our community and the intellectual engine of ‘what’s next.’” This celebration is not just about honoring the past—it’s a call to the future. As the Library continues to evolve, offering programs ranging from digital literacy workshops, job fairs, health and wellness programming – to recording studio to podcast studios and 3D printing – it remains a dynamic hub for all who seek knowledge and connection. Spears continued: “As the oldest cultural institution in Buffalo, we want to highlight what this building and our tradition have meant and share our excitement for what we have planned in the coming years.” In tribute to its rich legacy, the Library will showcase rare photos, advertisements, and memorabilia from its opening, offering a unique glimpse into its remarkable journey. Buffalo & Erie County Public Libraries have more than 3.2 million materials – books, eBooks, DVDs, music & more. Free library cards (traditional and eLibrary) are available to Erie County, New York residents and to those who work and/or attend school in Erie County, NY. Follow the library on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Flickr and on our podcast All Booked Up! Information: 716-858-8900 or http://www.buffalolib.org. Read More From Buffalo Latino Village All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports Technology Uncategorized Buffalo & Erie County Public Library Celebrates 60 Years of our Central Library October 7, 2024/No Comments BUFFALO, N.Y. – October 3, 2024 – In 1964, a new chapter in Buffalo’s story unfolded with the opening of the… Read More Thousands of Books Being Given Awayat Frontier’s Fall into Reading Festivalon Saturday, October 19 October 7, 2024/No Comments The Frontier Central School District’s Fall into Reading Festival, which started two years ago to get books into the hands… Read More IN HONOR OF LATINO HERITAGE MONTH September 30, 2024/No Comments In Buffalo & Erie County, Puerto Ricans and Dominican Americans constitute the majority of the Latino population, with most of… Read More Load More End of Content.

The Frontier Central School District’s Fall into Reading Festival, which started two years ago to get books into the hands of youngsters, has grown into a true community event for all ages. This year’s event takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, October 19 at Frontier Middle School, 2751 Amsdell Road, Hamburg. It’s part of the American Federation of Teacher’s (AFT) and First Book’s “Reading Opens the World” campaign. Amber Chandler, an English language arts teacher at Frontier Middle School and the president of the Frontier Central Teachers Association (FCTA), is the event’s founder. Fall into Reading celebrates literacy, the arts, STEM, health, wellness, safety, and character education. “The FCTA’s goal in creating this event was to collaborate with the community to create a family-friendly, free event to celebrate literacy,” Chandler added. “This is a community celebration of literacy,” Chandler said. “There will be no-tech family fun such as face painting, coloring stations, free games, a reading room, hair and nail stations, woodworking, and a chance to visit with community partners.” The event started in 2022 after Chandler received a grant from the AFT and First Book in August of that year. Despite having a little more than a month to put it together, Chandler and a large group of volunteers pulled it off. Last year’s event built on that success. “Last year was packed the whole time,” Chandler said. “We had a great turnout with amazing volunteers. Everything ran very smoothly.” The event is co-sponsored by the Frontier Central School District and the Erie 1 Professional Education Association. Community partners expected to take part include the Buffalo Zoo, the Buffalo History Museum, Frontier PTAs, student clubs, student musicians, the district “Farm to School” program, the Erie County Sheriff’s Office, the Hamburg Police Department, the Hamburg Fire Department, and Hamburg Fire Companies. There will also be Smash Brothers and Frontier CSD food trucks available. A total of 9,200 books have been given away in the first two years of the event. “We have created an event that we hope is a fall festival tradition for the Frontier community,” Chandler said. “More people are aware of the event now, so we are excited to spread the love of reading to even more families.” They’ve done that, and more. Let the fun begin. NOTE: Amber Chandler is available for interviews. Please contact Public Relations Director Bill Bruton to coordinate the interviews. PHOTO): Books, books, books! Thousands of books were given away to area youngsters at last year’s event. Bill BrutonPublic Relations DirectorFrontier Central School DistrictOffice: 716-926-1700, ext. 1798Cell: 716-462-1588 Read More From Buffalo Latino Village All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports Technology Uncategorized Thousands of Books Being Given Awayat Frontier’s Fall into Reading Festivalon Saturday, October 19 October 7, 2024/No Comments Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo. Read More… Read More IN HONOR OF LATINO HERITAGE MONTH September 30, 2024/No Comments In Buffalo & Erie County, Puerto Ricans and Dominican Americans constitute the majority of the Latino population, with most of… Read More LATIN JOURNAL — A Glimpse into Our Past: September 23, 2024/No Comments The Latin Journal, the inaugural Puerto Rican/Latino newspaper in Buffalo, NY, was published during the 70s and 80s by Alberto… Read More Load More End of Content.

In Buffalo & Erie County, Puerto Ricans and Dominican Americans constitute the majority of the Latino population, with most of them located in the city. PUERTO RICANS Puerto Ricans, also referred to as Boricuas, are dispersed globally, with the majority residing on the island of Puerto Rico and the mainland United States. There are approximately 8 to 10 million Puerto Ricans, including their descendants, around the world. The cultural heritage of Puerto Ricans is rich and diverse, originating from Indigenous Taíno people, Spanish colonizers, and African slaves. This multifaceted history is evident in their dynamic culture, traditions, and communities across the globe. Puerto Rican culture is incredibly rich and diverse. Here are a few aspects you might find interesting: Music and Dance: Puerto Rico is the birthplace of several music genres, including salsa, reggaeton, and Bomba. Artists like Daddy Yankee, Bad Bunny, and Marc Anthony have gained international fame. Cuisine: Puerto Rican food is a delicious blend of Spanish, African, and Taíno influences. Dishes like mofongo, arroz con Gandules, and Pasteles are staples. Festivals: Puerto Ricans love to celebrate! Festivals like the San Sebastián Street Festival in San Juan and the Ponce Carnival are vibrant events filled with music, dance, and traditional costumes. Literature and Art: Puerto Rican writers and artists have made significant contributions to the arts. Figures like Julia de Burgos, a renowned poet, and Victor Hernandez-Cruz, poet and writer, have left a lasting impact. History: Puerto Rico has a fascinating history, from its Indigenous Taíno roots to Spanish colonization and its status as a U.S. territory.   DOMINICAN AMERICANS Dominicans, hailing from the Dominican Republic, possess a vibrant and varied cultural legacy. Key elements include: History and Heritage: Dominicans predominantly have a mixed heritage, encompassing European, African, and Taíno (indigenous) roots. The Dominican Republic occupies the island of Hispaniola alongside Haiti, with a past characterized by Spanish colonialism and African enslavement. Music and Dance: Known for its distinctive music and dance, the Dominican Republic is the birthplace of merengue and bachata. These musical styles are central to Dominican identity and enjoy global recognition. Cuisine: Dominican cuisine offers a rich fusion of Spanish, African, and Taíno flavors. Signature dishes include Sancocho, a robust stew; Mangu, which is mashed plantains; and Tostones, or fried plantains. Festivals: Dominicans are passionate about celebrations! The Carnival stands out as a particularly exuberant festival with its vivid costumes, lively music, and dance. Another key celebration is the Merengue Festival, which honors the nation’s traditional dance. The Dominican diaspora is substantial, especially in the United States, where large communities exist in New York City, Miami, and Boston. These communities preserve strong cultural connections with the Dominican Republic. Dominicans have established themselves globally, with notable communities in various countries. Below are some principal locations: Dominican Republic: The majority of Dominicans reside in their home country, which has a population of approximately 11 million. United States: The U.S. hosts the largest Dominican diaspora, numbering over 2.3 million, predominantly in cities such as New York, Miami, and Boston. Spain: Spain houses a considerable Dominican population, with about 190,000 residing there. Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is home to roughly 54,000 Dominicans. In other countries, smaller Dominican communities have emerged in nations such as Italy, Canada, Chile, Venezuela, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. These communities have thrived, preserving their cultural heritage while assimilating into their new environments. Read More From Buffalo Latino Village All Post Art Books & Poems Business Column Community Community News Education Entertainment español Food & Culture Health Interviews Media Military & Veterans Music Peace People Politics Sports Technology IN HONOR OF LATINO HERITAGE MONTH September 30, 2024/No CommentsRead More LATIN JOURNAL — A Glimpse into Our Past: September 23, 2024/No Comments The Latin Journal, the inaugural Puerto Rican/Latino newspaper in Buffalo, NY, was published during the 70s and 80s by Alberto… Read More Award-Winning Author Sandra Cisneros at BABEL on October 10 September 17, 2024/No Comments Sandra Cisneros, author of “The House on Mango Street,” to Inaugurate New BABEL Season BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Just Buffalo… Read More Load More End of Content.