California libraries honor the traditions and holidays of immigrant communities with programs this month that foster recognition and appreciation for their contributions to our state’s cultural life. See the descriptions of some of these engaging events organized by libraries that are participating in Library Innovation Lab 2024 below, and visit our online calendar for more information about upcoming library events in your area.
La Mirada Public Library, a branch of the County of Los Angeles Public Library, continues its fall series La Mirada Celebrates! highlighting the importance of the fall holidays in Korean and Mexican cultures. On Saturday, November 16, celebrate National Kimchi Day by making the national dish of Korea! This family-friendly program will be led by Chef Yoon Hee Kim in partnership with the Korean Cultural Center, Los Angeles. Attendance is limited and advance registration is required. For more information, contact Project Director Allison Ortiz or register online at Visit.LACountyLibrary.org/Events.
Moreno Valley Public Library continues Puentes Culturales (Cultural Bridges): Celebrating Our Culture, with Writers Expo 2024 on Saturday, November 9, from 10 am-2 pm. The event will showcase authors from the Mexican, Guatemalan, and Samoan communities along with other local writers, who will share about their works and provide insights into the craft of writing. For more information, contact Project Director Jacqueline Stewart.
Richmond Public Library presents a series of free events to highlight and celebrate Richmond’s diverse immigrant communities and their cultures, especially the Lao, Tibetan, and Latino communities. Quilt workshops will be held across various dates at library locations, including West Side Branch on November 6 and November 12. For more information, contact Christopher Eaton.
Santa Barbara Public Library continues its fall series, Raíces y Sueños (Roots and Dreams) exploring the rich cultural traditions of the city’s Latin American immigrant communities. On Saturday, November 9, the library will host Mercado, an artisan market featuring items made by local artisans, from 10 am-3 pm. Enjoy storytelling, dance and puppetry performances, and learn how to make paper crowns and other traditional crafts at the main library plaza. On Sunday, November 10, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art will host Cuentos bilingües, a Bilingual Storytime for families. For more information about the series contact Project Director Catalina Morancey.
Santa Fe Springs Library will host Library of Stories, Flavors, and Sounds, a weeklong celebration of Korean and Mexican immigrant experiences from November 4–9. Explore the rich cultural heritage of both communities through readings by local authors including Mirelle Ortega, Reynaldo Mora, Helena Ku Rhee, and Susie Yi, or participate in an art-making workshop or a community mapping activity. A talk-performance by Cascada de Flores will celebrate Mexican music and folkloric traditions, and the Korean national anthem will be performed by local violinist Sara Jin. The week will conclude with a presentation on Korean tea and a dessert tasting. For more information about the series contact Project Director Olga Gonzalez at (562) 868-7738 ext. 7822.
Stay tuned for more programs in December!
