Anaheim comes together to read ‘In the Time of Butterflies’; Council Member, Cuban native Jose Diaz kicks off community read event

This fall, Anaheim readers will be captivated by “In the Time of the Butterflies,” a vivid historical story by Julia Alvarez celebrating Dominican history and culture.

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the Anaheim Public Library will bring the community together during Hispanic Heritage Month to read “In the Time of the Butterflies” and for book discussions, film screenings, cooking demos, music and dance performances, guest speakers, family activities and more.  

Anaheim Council Member Jose Diaz, a native of Cuba, will speak at Haskett Branch on Sept. 17 at 3 p.m. during the kickoff event for the Anaheim Library’s NEA Big Read program. 

The event includes entertainment for the whole family, including chalk art and Cuban food until 5:30 p.m. 

As part of the National Endowment for the Art’s Big Read program, Anaheim is exploring “In The Time of The Butterflies” in its sixth annual community-wide reading event.

Engaging cultural programs include the Dominican dance classes introducing merengue and bachata, sugar skull decorating, and Papo’s Cuban Kitchen cooking demo for kids. 

“In The Time of The Butterflies” follows the Mirabal sisters ― Patria, Minerva, Dede and Maria ― who use their voice during the regime of Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo in the 1950s.

Readers will also have a chance to virtually meet “In The Time of The Butterflies” author Alvarez on the Library’s Facebook or YouTube. You’ll learn about the author’s journey and the book’s themes of freedom, resilience, and sisterhood on Saturday, Sept. 18 at 1 p.m.

Residents can check out the book or download the eBook, and join in a full calendar of cultural events at Anaheim Public Library during Hispanic Heritage Month. Click the button below to find programs!