[ad_1]
Anaheim Haskett librarians are making their free event programming one that fits the diverse makeup of Orange County.
Editor’s note: This is an occasional series where Voice of OC works with local community photographers to offer residents a first-hand look at the local sites and scenes of Orange County.
On some weekends, residents can try free food demonstrations or explore a range of different cultural practices.
“We want to connect the community, and we want to engage the community,” said Librarian Guadalupe Gomez, “especially through dance and food, there’s that connection.”
Earlier this Spring, the library highlighted Indian culture. The event began at midday, with an Indian dance group performance.
The performers were from the Nityashetra School of Dance where students showcased various South Indian dances.
Assistant dance teacher Tripti Shah, 30, brought her students.
The dances she and the students performed were personal and dedicated to specific deities, emphasizing that the dances are not performed for an audience but as a tribute to the specific deity they honor.
The Nitya Shetra School of Dance teaches a wide range of ages, the youngest being around five to six and the oldest being their adult students.
The second part of the cultural event showcased Chef Vina DiBernardo’s samosa recipe and taste test for the attendees.
Chef Vina DiBernardo wanted to connect and educate the community through her food.
“You know cooking is love,” said DiBernardo.
“Our statement is that we want to try and highlight all of the cultures throughout the year.” says Librarian Gomez.
Chef Vina Dibernardo explains that food is a point of pride and a way of coming together in many of the diverse communities that surround Anaheim.
“Sometimes they don’t have a lot of money but they will show it in the food, and whatever simple foods they have, they’ll make it taste amazing. And really to me, that’s love,” DiBernardo said.
Anaheim is primarily made up of White and Hispanic origin, with a 48.1% White population and a 53.3% Hispanic or Latino population. Additionally, Anaheim has a 17.6% Asian population and a 2.6% Black or African American population.
“We have a very diverse community in Anaheim. We’re close to Little Arabia and have a predominantly Hispanic community,” added Gomez.
“We’re so grateful to our library supporters, you know, because without them, we wouldn’t be able to pay for these programs. Our Anaheim Public Library Foundation is our main sponsor for our adult and family programming,” Gomez said.
Gomez attributes one particular event to have kickstarted the library’s focus on cultural events called “Behind the Veil” as a representation of this piece of cloth that is used in a variety of ways by different cultures.
“A few years ago we had ‘Behind the Veil.’ I think it was right after covid maybe. We had an Arab and a Hispanic presenter and they talked about how they [both cultures] used it [the veil,]” she said.
“It’s the same piece of cloth, whether it’s used as a covering out of respect for religious or cultural reasons or for Hispanics, it’s used for carrying your baby or going to church. It was just such an experience for all of us. At the end we gave everyone a veil, and so that was kind of the kick-off”
In the past the library has hosted an Arabic language class, a nail art class, and a tea ceremony.
Librarian Curita Tinker explains that their approach to organizing events is to take every opportunity they can, regardless of what kind of program they are hosting, and make a conscious effort to connect it back to the humanities and the community.
“Even in our simple storytimes, how do we connect as a community?”
The events that the Haskett Library hosts are organized by the librarians through their interpersonal connections with the community around them.
Such as one partner, the family of Georgia’s Restaurant has visited the library for several years to share their Southern culinary knowledge.
Gomez and Tinker explain that their goal of engaging Anaheim’s community through growing their creative space at the Library is not just a current priority, but one that continues to expand.
In the next few months, construction will begin at Haskett to create a new ‘Makerspace’ at the library.
This space will be dedicated to crafting and the arts and will feature laser and sewing machines as well as another section of the building, including a recording studio.
•••
Can you support Voice of OC with a donation?
You obviously care about local news and value good journalism here in Orange County. With your support, we can bring you more stories like these.
Related
[ad_2]
Source link
