During Hispanic Heritage Month and Dia De Los Muetos, the Muleshoe Area Public Library offers children a chance to learn about costumes, language, food and celebrations.

From 4 to 4:30 p.m. Monday, Foods of Our Culture Baking will be presented by Lisa Galavic and Lucee Rodriguez.

“Lisa makes gingerbread pigs, or maranitos, a nickname meaning piggy,” said Library Director Frances Recio. “Everybody gets to take one home to taste and eat. It’s an acquired recipe that’s been handed down from generation to generation.”

Lucee Rodriguez, who makes a melt-in-your-mouth cookie often served at weddings and other events, will present her lesson in costume.

“She will be wearing traditional housewife clothing with an apron that’s been handed down from generation to generation,” Recio said. “The apron has a pocket and a dishcloth hangs over her shoulder. Her hair will be done in a comfortable bun. It gives a little taste of nostalgia.”

Recio hopes that City Council member Lupe Mendoza can also be persuaded to talk to the children about her time growing up.

“She’s a great supporter of the library,” Recio said.

At 4 p.m. Monday, Oct. 9, the library will present the movie “Coco.”

“The animated movie ‘Coco’ is one of the simplest and best ways to explain Dia De Los Muertos, the Day of the Dead,” Recio said. “It’s a time of remembrance for those who have gone on before us, and we don’t want to forget that.”

The library will commemorate Dia De Los Muertos from Oct. 27 through Nov. 2. Candles will be lit and items will be placed on the altar in memory of different people including children, those who died unexpectedly, and ancestors.

Earlier in September, dancer Margie Alacon visited the library to talk about Ballet Folklórico, which she teaches.

“She was able to answer questions about the costumes, different dance areas, ways of doing dance steps, and the handling of the dress during dancing,” Recio said. “The dancers look so graceful and so pretty, but those costumes are heavy. Carrying them takes a lot of muscle. Dancing takes an enormous amount of strength.”

Children also participated in Language Through Loteria.

“Children learn Spanish through playing the game, and translating the words from Spanish also teaches English,” Recio said. “They’re having a really good time, and they’re learning.”

Learning at the library is reinforced through fact sheets and take-home activities.