Pioneer Library System

The Norman Public Library continues its tradition of bringing Hispanic culture from around the world inside its walls during its eighth annual Hispanic Heritage Festival Sept. 10 and 12 at the library, 225 N. Webster Ave.

The event will be divided into a two-day presentation, with an opening Gala Friday evening and the Festival itself Sunday afternoon. Both events are free and open to the public.

The weekend begins with the Hispanic Heritage Gala, 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10. The Gala will be part of September’s edition of the Norman Arts Council’s Second Friday Circuit of Art Series.

Returning for the Gala will be Colombian pianist Jose Luis Tono, who will perform on a Steinway baby grand piano set up in the center of the library.

Tono specializes in a variety of musical styles, including classical, America, Latin and Caribbean music. Now a Norman resident, Tono originally is from Cartagena, Colombia. He studied music and piano at Escuela de Bellas Artes from Cartegena de Indias in Colombia and also studied under the pianist Mercedes Vazquez and Adolfo Mejia, a famous Colombian composer.

In 2000, he was honored by the Colombian government with the “Pedro Romero” medal for artistic merit, and in 2002 was named “Outstanding Artist of the Year” by the American Federation of Musicians. He has recorded five compact discs and has performed concerts in Colombia, Panama, Cuba and the United States. 

Elizabeth Stowe will offer her Venezuelan-inspired cuisine for guests at the Gala. The food will be served during breaks in Tono’s performance.

The Norman Public Library is set to begin its fall Prime Time literacy series on Thursday nights this fall. The six-week series takes place 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays Sept. 2 through Oct. 7 at the library, 225 N. Webster Ave.

The story time is designed for parents and children ages 6-10. Each week, storytellers and discussion leaders present illustrated humanities–themed stories to the families.  Families then will read aloud together and discuss related topics.

“Our library has been a place that embraces the idea of families bonding together around books,” said Charlotte Gordon, Community Outreach Coordinator for the Norman Public Library. “We are extremely excited about offering this opportunity for families to learn and practice new literacy skills. We also get a chance to showcase the abundance of the library’s materials, resources and services.”

The Norman Public Library offers local residents tips for avoiding Identity Theft during a program at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19, at the library, 225 N. Webster Ave.

The program is part of the Pioneer Library System’s Smart Investing @ Your Library series, which continues with several programs this fall.

The program for adults will provide an overview of common identity theft practices, tools for preventing identity theft and specific steps for victims of these kinds of crimes to take in order to minimize damage.

The class will be taught by Cody Buchholz of Tinker Federal Credit Union.