Contact:
Charity Leonette
Marketing & Community Partnerships Coordinator
22 Wabash Street, Suite 202
Pittsburgh, PA 15220
412.921.1123 x304
leonettec@einetwork.net
For Immediate Release
Libraries Bridging Cultures with ALA/NEH Muslim Journeys Bookshelf
Programs Beginning March 9
(PITTSBURGH, PA – March 7, 2013) — Beginning in March several local libraries will kick-off and showcase the Bridging Cultures: Muslim Journeys Bookshelf with free public programs exploring the people, places, history, faith and cultures of Muslims in the United States and around the world.
These are a few examples of how libraries bridge cultures through diverse community experiences. Programs in March include:
Where: Avalon Public Library (317 S. Home Ave., Avalon, PA 15202)
When: Saturday, March 9 from 11:00 am – 12:30 p.m
What: Islam 101 with guest speakers Nasreen Khan, Sadia Sabir and Ishfaz Ahmad from the Islamic Center of North Pittsburgh.
Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
When: Saturday, March 9 at 2:00 pm
What: Passport to the World: Somalia for children and families including folktales, songs, games, art activities and food from the countries visited. The program will be held in the Children’s Department. [Read more]
Where: Dormont Public Library (2950 West Liberty Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15216)
When: Monday, March 11 at 7:00 pm
What: Presentation by Imam Atef Mahgoub from Islamic Center of Pittsburgh about fundamentals of Islam. He will also address common misconceptions of Islam and will discuss some of the cultural aspects of Islam, such as the Islamic holidays of Ramadan, Eid Ul-Fitr, and Eid Ul-Adha. Registration is required.
Where: Monroeville Public Library (4000 Gateway Campus Blvd., Monroeville, PA 15146)
When: Tuesday, March 12 from 7:00 – 8:30 pm
What: The Recent Immigrant Experience, a panel discussion with recent immigrants facilitated by Mateen Firoz from the Muslim Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Event will be held in the library’s Gallery Space.
Where: Baldwin Borough Building (41 Macek Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15227)
When: Wednesday, March 13 at 11:30 am
What: Lunch & Discuss: Intergenerational Book Discussion of Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi hosted by Baldwin Borough Public Library & Whitehall Public Library. [Read more]
Where: Carnegie Museum of Art (4400 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213)
When: Thursday, March 14 at 6:30 pm
What: Bound Together Book Club discussion of The Art of Hajj by Venetia Porter hosted by the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Museum of Art. Space is limited; call 412.622.3288 to register. [Read more]
Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Hill District (2177 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15219)
When: Saturday, March 30 at 1:00 pm
What: Film showing of Prince Among Thieves. [Read more]
Other community programs will continue throughout the year. Participating libraries include Avalon Public Library, Baldwin Borough Public Library, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh – Main (Oakland) and Hill District locations, Dormont Public Library, Monroeville Public Library, Northland Public Library, Upper St. Clair Township Library, and Whitehall Public Library. This is a year-long project during which libraries will be presenting programs, organizing book discussion groups, and partnering with community organizations.
The Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys is a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities, conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association. Support was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. Additional support for the arts and media components was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
The books and films comprising the Bookshelf were selected with the advice of librarians and cultural programming experts, as well as distinguished scholars in the fields of anthropology, world history, religious studies, interfaith dialogue, the history of art and architecture, world literature, Middle East studies, Southeast Asian studies, African studies, and Islamic studies.
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About the Allegheny County Library Association
Collaboration. Cooperation. Coordination.
The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) is a system of 45 independent public libraries with more than 70 locations that work together, share resources and cooperate to better serve county residents. These libraries are community connectors providing opportunities for personal and professional development through access to content and experiences for all ages. ACLA libraries support education and exploration while developing early literacy skills, school readiness and lifelong learning.
