Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month

For Immediate Release: Friday, March 11, 2005

During the month of April, Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is hosting the Arab American Heritage Celebration – highlighting the heritage and diverse cultural traditions of the Arab American community.

It is estimated that more than three million Arab Americans reside in the United States, while Montgomery County is home to approximately 8,200 persons of Arab descent (one percent of the population).

“These programs provide excellent opportunities to learn and appreciate the culture, history and contributions of Arab American neighbors in our society,” said Harriet Henderson, MCPL director.

The following Arab American Celebration events have been scheduled:

Friday, April 1-29, Quince Orchard Library – Showcase of Arabic Culture. Open during library hours. Call 240-777-0200.

Saturday, April 9, 11:30 a.m., Rockville Library - An introduction to Arabic culture, story times, traditional henna and hand painting, arts and crafts, traditional clothing and music instruments; for all ages. Call 240-777-0140.

Saturday, April 23, 1 p.m., Quince Orchard Library - An Arabic cultural show for all ages. Includes story time, henna and hand painting, art and crafts exhibit, traditional clothing, and musical instruments. Call 240-777-0200.

Saturday, April 30, 1 p.m., Activity Center Bohrer Park, Summit Hall Farm – 506 South Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg. Arab Heritage Festival will feature poetry readings, arts and crafts, Middle Eastern foods, henna and hand painting, calligraphy, live music, folklore dance and traditional Arabic clothing. Call 240-777-0024.

The programs are sponsored by the Office of the County Executive’s Office of Community Outreach; the Montgomery County Public Libraries’ Multicultural Library Advisory Committee; the Friends of the Library; and Arab community organizations from the D.C. Metropolitan Area.

For more information about the special events, call Yuli Estler at 240-777-0024. Additional information and library resources are available on the MCPL web site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/library.

Release ID: 05-090
Media Contact: Bonnie Ayers 240-777-6530