Since March, the dedicated librarians who make up this year’s Library Innovation Lab (LIL) program cohort have been hard at work, interviewing community members to ascertain needs, cultivating partnerships with local organizations, and applying the tools of Design Thinking to envision public humanities programs in response. This month, they are excited to launch their public programs. Over the fall season, each library will offer a unique set of activities designed to interest and engage immigrants as well as members of the broader public in their community. Visit a list of participating libraries for descriptions of these programs and visit our online calendar for events in your area.
Escondido Public Library will hold the first event in The Cultural Fair Series, three afternoon programs that will explore the culture and history of recent immigrants to the city, with Ukraine Culture and Art, Saturday, September 16, from 2 to 4:30 pm. The event, organized in partnership with the House of Ukraine in San Diego’s Balboa Park, will include a Bandura performance (a traditional Ukrainian music instrument), a lecture about Ukrainian culture and history, an art workshop and art show featuring works by local Ukrainian artists, and opportunities to sample favorite Ukrainian foods. For more information, contact Project Director Azar Katouzian.
Riverside Public Library will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15) with a series of Bilingual Open Mic programs at libraries throughout the city that will invite local community members (including celebrated authors) to share stories, art, and poetry about the immigrant experience. Games, craft activities, and food vendors will contribute to a festive air. With a special emphasis on engaging older teens and adults, these programs will welcome participation from people of all ages and backgrounds, to promote connections and appreciation of Latinx culture. Dates to be announced. For more information, contact Project Director Hayden Birkett.
Stay tuned for more program in October and November!
