Carlos Santana is one of the artists featured in LATIN MUSIC USA, airing Mondays, October 12-19 on PBS.

 Hispanic Heritage Month 2009 (September 15-October 15) is coming up, and PBS is celebrating with a great lineup of programs that entertain while examining the history, heritage and cultural contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

 A highlight of PBS’ Hispanic Heritage Month programming is LATIN MUSIC USA. From Latin jazz and mambo to salsa, Tejano, Chicano rock, Latin pop and reggaeton, the four-hour series tells the story of the rise of new American music forged from powerful Latin roots and reveals the often overlooked influence of Latin music on jazz, hip hop, rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll — and on all of American culture.

 It’s a fresh take on America’s musical history, reaching across time and across musical genres to embrace the exciting hybrid sounds created by Latinos, musical fusions that have deeply enriched popular music in the U.S. over more than five decades. Jimmy Smits narrates. LATIN MUSIC USA airs Mondays, October 12-19, 9-11 p.m. ET on PBS, and also airs on V-me, the national Spanish TV network, on Tuesdays, October 13-20, 10 p.m.-12 a.m. ET.

 Other highlights include GREAT PERFORMANCES “Los Angeles Philharmonic Opening Gala With Gustavo Dudamel” and fascinating documentaries, including a look at Argentina’s troubled past (INDEPENDENT LENS “Our Disappeared/Nuestros Desaparecidos”).

 PBS’ celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month extends beyond the broadcast and onto pbs.org. PBS’ video player (pbs.org/video) — where viewers can watch hours of free PBS programming online and on their own time — features an extensive lineup of programs honoring and exploring Latino culture in “Nuestras Historias | Our Stories,” a special Hispanic Heritage Month collection that will feature LATIN MUSIC USA, POV “Ella Es el Matador,” the short-film series “Latinos in 60 Seconds” and AMERICAN EXPERIENCE “Roberto Clemente,” among others. The collection launches September 10 at www.pbs.org/nuestras historias.

SPRING VALLEY LIBRARY TO HOST ANNUAL FIESTA

 The Spring Valley Branch of the San Diego County Library, 836 Kempton Street, will host its fourth annual fiesta in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month on Saturday, September 19, from noon – 3 p.m. The fiesta will feature a visit by best selling author Victor Villaseñor and guest speaker Lucky “Two Tears” Morales. Another highlight of the event will be a low rider car exhibit from Amigos Car Club, artwork on display by Salvador Barajas, along with entertainment, a community information fair, refreshments, children’s activities, prizes, and much more. The event is free of charge and the public is invited.

 Nationally known best selling author Victor Villaseñor will speak about his life and works, which include the popular Rain of Gold, Burro Genius and Crazy Loco Love. His books will be available for sale and autographs. Lucky “Two Tears” Morales is a community activist who promotes peace among Chicano gangs. Every Sunday for the past decade, he can be seen walking with a Mexican flag through some of southeast San Diego’s toughest neighborhoods in order to educate gang members in dealing with their differences in a less violent way. Well-known local artist Salvador Barajas was a main contributor to the Chicano Park murals. One of his colorful murals fills an exterior wall of the Spring Valley Library.

 The Montgomery Middle School Mariachi troupe and the Ballet Folklorico Aqetzalli de Lemon Grove will perform, along with the REC*resent Hip Hop Dance Group from the local Teen Center. A DJ will also provide music.

 The event will be held inside the library and in its parking lot. For more information call (619) 463-3006.