SPRINGFIELD – The Springfield City Library will officially kick off a month’s worth of programming aimed at honoring Hispanic and Latino traditions next week.

Hispanic Heritage Month officially kicks off Sept. 15 and runs until Oct. 15, offering a number of interactive events, performances and exhibits giving patrons a look into customs found locally and around the world.

“Our goal with all of our programming is to do things that reflect the character of the city,” Jessica Pérez Blasko, Community Relations coordinator for the Springfield City Library, told Reminder Publications. “Hispanic Heritage Month is one that we feel does quite a bit of that.”

She added the vast majority of the events during the month would be appropriate for all ages.

While Hispanic Heritage Month technically doesn’t begin until Sept. 15, Pablo Casals’ art exhibit honoring his mother Pilar Úrsula Defilló Amiguet and his connection to Puerto Rico is already on display at the Central Library on State Street. A reception will take place Sept. 11, 2 to 3 p.m.

One of the most child-friendly events will be the worry doll crafting event at the Brightwood Branch Library, 359 Plainfield St., Oct. 3, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

“Worry dolls are a Guatemalan tradition in which you tell the doll your worries before you go to bed and tuck it under your pillow,” Blasko said. “As legend has it, when you wake up the next morning, those worries will be done.”

Participants will learn more about the legend and history of worry dolls and will have the opportunity to make their own.

Another event at the Brightwood Branch will be Poemario, an evening recital of Spanich-themed music, poetry and dance, which will take place Oct. 10, 6 p.m.

“This event is unique because unlike the other events, it will be completely in Spanish; everything will be performed in Spanish,” Blasko said.

She added that anyone in need of assistance or translation in English or Spanish would be able to receive it at any of the events.

Those looking to sample a Latin culinary favorite can head to the Brightwood Branch Oct. 6, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., for the flan contest. Flan, a custard-like dessert, has been a favorite in Latin households for generations, made with a slew of different techniques.

“It’s an opportunity for contest participants to get together and talk about and trade recipes. There are so many different variations of this one dessert,” Blasko said. “For everyone else, it’s a chance to try a whole bunch of different great desserts.”

To register as a contest participant, contact Haydee Hodis, Brightwood Branch supervisor, at 263-6805 by Oct. 4.

For a complete list of events, which includes more exhibits and movie screenings, visit www.springfieldlibrary.org. For more information on a particular event, call the Central Library at 263-6828, ext. 213.