Registration now closed

Bomba Storytime: Presented by Semilla Cultural

Festival of Cultures: Many Cultures One Heartbeat // Small Meeting Room

Celebrate the 5th Annual Festival of Cultures with Semilla Cultural's live music and storytime.

About Semilla Cultural and Founder Isha M. Renta

Isha M. Renta López is a Puerto Rico–born meteorologist, award-winning community leader, author, and cultural advocate. A practitioner of Bomba since 2007, she has studied with master teachers and shares this Afro-Puerto Rican tradition through her performances, workshops, and writing. Her debut children’s book, Sofía y su Tambor de Bomba (Sofía and Her Bomba Drum), set in her hometown of Ponce, reflects her journey as a scientist, mother, and community leader dedicated to cultural pride and representation.

She is also the founder of Semilla Cultural, a nonprofit organization that has promoted the Afro-Puerto Rican tradition of Bomba across Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia since 2014. Along with its talented team of volunteers, Semilla Cultural engages communities through storytelling, workshops, lectures, and performances that highlight the rhythms, songs, and dances of Bomba while fostering joy, identity, and connection.

For this special event, Isha and the Semilla Cultural team will lead families on an interactive journey through Puerto Rican culture, exploring Bomba through storytelling, rhythm, and movement.

Registration is encouraged but not required.

About Welcoming Week

Welcoming Week is a national effort which connects neighbors of all backgrounds through fun and engaging activities. This year's theme is Stories We Share aims to foster a sense of belonging and community-wide connection. View our past Welcoming Week library events here (ranging from storytime, teen, button making programs as well as library displays and more).