Long Beach community members can explore Latin American culture during the Long Beach Public Library’s eighth annual Vida Latina series.

Through Oct. 31, all 12 library locations will offer free programs and activities for children, teens, adults and families to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Latin American communities, according to a press release.

This year’s theme is “Alumbra Tu Vida,” which translates to “Light Up Your Life,” encouraging everyone to discover something new that brings light and joy into their lives. Whether through art, music, storytelling, dance or hands-on activities, Vida Latina will offer opportunities for the community to come together, celebrate culture and make meaningful connections, officials said.

“Celebrations like Vida Latina remind us that culture is something we experience together – it is shared through music, food, art, stories and traditions passed from one generation to the next,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “The Long Beach Public Library continues to create opportunities for our community to learn from one another and celebrate what makes Long Beach such a vibrant and welcoming city.”

The celebration will begin with “Una Tardeada con Boleros with Attitude,” from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at Billie Jean King Main Library, 200 W. Broadway. The Los Angeles trio Boleros with Attitude will perform a mix of traditional Latin folk music, romantic boleros and original hip-hop, the press release said. The performance will blend music and storytelling to celebrate culture, creativity and community.

This year’s Vida Latina series will feature special guests and programs offering the community opportunities to find and explore new traditions, including a story time with children’s author and creator of “Millennial Loteria” Mike Alfaro, who will read the latest books in his series, “Sí Sabo Kids: The Unbreakable Piñata” and “What Does Ñ Sound Like?” at 11 a.m. Oct. 3 at Billie Jean King Main Library.

Bilingual storyteller Josue Cuentacuentos will also share his energetic Selena Storytime at multiple library branches, and local dance instructors Christopher Sandoval and Jeanette Flores will lead “Baile Con Nosotros” (“Dance with Us”) workshops, including Mexican regional dance for children and family Latin dance, which will take place at multiple branches during the month.

Acclaimed storyteller Olga Loya will bring her signature Day of the Dead performance and storytelling workshop to Harte Neighborhood Library, 1595 W. Willow St., as part of “Noche de Cuentos en Comunidad,” which translates to “A Night of Stories in Community,” at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30.

Día de Los Muertos will also be celebrated at Harte Neighborhood Library from 3 to 5 p.m. every Friday in October, with the branch’s community room becoming a community altar, the press release said. Each week, families and community members can participate in an all-ages arts and crafts activity to create decorations for the altar or their own family altars. The library will also accept 5-by-7-inch photos of deceased loved ones to include on the community altar throughout the month.

Vida Latina will also have a big community celebration from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 16 at Michelle Obama Neighborhood Library, 5870 Atlantic Ave.. That event is called “La Gran Tardeada con Selenamos” – or “The Great Evening with Selenamos.”

The celebration will feature a performance by Selena tribute band Selenamos, a children’s Bad Bunny puppet show, a Latin idols costume contest for all ages, karaoke, arts and crafts, and more, officials said. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as a favorite Latin music icon, cultural figure or even their favorite Lotería card for an evening of fun and celebration.

“Alumbra Tu Vida is an invitation to find joy in culture and in community,” Cathy De Leon, director of the Department of Library, Arts and Culture, said in a statement. “Whether you are learning a new dance, listening to a story, making art or simply spending time with loved ones, Vida Latina offers something for everyone. We are excited to fill our libraries with experiences that celebrate Latin American culture and encourage our community to discover something new together.”

For a full schedule of programs and events, visit the library’s Vida Latina events calendar or call the library at 562-570-7500.