Welcoming America is an organization that encourages U.S. cities, counties, states, and non-profit organizations to bring together immigrant and non-immigrant communities. Welcoming Week is a series of events each September when neighbors, newcomers, and long-time residents come together in a spirit of unity. These gatherings demonstrate that in places large and small, people of all backgrounds create stronger communities by building meaningful connections and affirming the benefits of welcoming everyone.
During Welcoming Week, September 13-22, 2024, we will celebrate our vibrant, multicultural community and the ways Hamilton East Public Library’s mission, vision, and guiding principles are put into practice year-round. Join us for cultural and civic programming and more during Welcoming Week.
Community Map
HEPL wishes to celebrate the rich and incredibly diverse heritage of our patrons. During Welcoming Week, please visit the lobby at either library branch to mark where your birthplace or homeland is on a community map of the world.
Programs
Bollywood Dance and Culture with Teaching Artist Usha Sirimalle
Thu. 9/19 | 6:30-7:30pm | FIS
Indian culture, language, and history is all intertwined in this movement workshop. Learning choreography together in a low-pressure environment, we will dance to traditional Bollywood music. Participants will be introduced to the basic steps used in Indian Bollywood dancing. Bollywood is a fusion of traditional and classical Indian dances with the influence of some jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance. It is
a creative mixture of technique, energy and emotion but most of all massive fun. We will learn poses, grace, hand and foot movements, and expression–all integral parts of Bollywood dance. The meanings of the songs are explored, and participants will be able to dance and act them out. For adults and teens. Registration requested.
Venezuelan History, Culture, and Migration
Thu. 9/19 | 6-7:30pm | NOB
If you’ve lived in Central Indiana for a while, chances are you know a person from Venezuela! Known for their warm manners and
dishes like arepas, this growing community has made places like Noblesville and Fishers their home in the past decade. Join us for a conversation about Venezuelan history, cultural values and traditions, and recent migration to the United States. Whether you have Venezuelan neighbors or have Venezuelan roots yourself, this program will give the opportunity to learn something new or share your own experiences. For adults and teens. Registration requested.
Bonus! The Platanos Venezuelan food truck will be parked in the library’s lot 5-8pm in celebration of this program and Welcoming Week! Support a local business and grab dinner before or after the program!
Paper Picado Banner with Teaching Artist Beatriz Vasquez
Sat. 9/21 | 11am-12:30pm| IGNITE
Sat. 9/21 | 2-3:30pm| IGNITE
Celebrate the characteristics and vastness of paper as a sustainable, accessible, and inclusive art medium. Beatriz Vasquez is an internationally recognized first generation Mexican American artist who works in papel picado (paper cut). This workshop honors the original people of Puebla Mexico who preserve the traditional ancient art form and highlights traditional ancient, handcrafted tools and skill. All ages welcome to this family-friendly class. Registration required.
Library Resources
Propio Translation Services
The Hamilton East Public Library is dedicated to meeting the needs of our diverse community. As our population expands, we’ve noticed a growing number of individuals seeking to learn English. We are committed to supporting everyone, regardless of their native language, to ensure that our services are accessible to all. To enhance our support for diverse language needs, we have partnered with Propio, a translation service capable of handling up to 300 languages. If communication challenges arise, our staff can quickly use a smartphone to connect with a translator within a minute. This ensures that all library visitors will be understood and receive the assistance they need.
English Language Learners
We are also excited to partner with the nationally recognized Washington Township Schools Adult Education program to offer English Language Learner (ELL) classes at our Fishers branch. Taught by certified educators with decades of experience in Fishers and Noblesville, these classes began in early August and currently serve 81 students from 22 countries, including El Salvador, Sudan, Ukraine, and Japan. Collectively, they speak 15 languages other than English, such as Arabic, Mandarin, Thai, and Urdu. Classes are held every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Anyone interested in joining can contact the instructors via email at [email protected]. The Fishers branch also offers ENL Conversation Classes every Wednesday from 11:00am – Noon for those who would like to practice speaking English in a casual and comfortable setting. If you’re interested in the Conversation Classes, registration is recommended, and you can register on our calendar of events.
Welcoming Week Booklists
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