Embark on a journey with us to better understand yourself and others. Take time this month to celebrate and learn about the histories, contributions, and current experiences of those around you.
The stories highlighted here act as windows into other cultures and mirrors of our own experiences. Source: By Rudine Sims Bishop, The Ohio State University. "Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors" originally appeared in Perspectives: Choosing and Using Books for the Classroom. Vo. 6, no. 3. Summer 1990.
Arab American Heritage Month (April)
English-Arabic Storytime (Videos)
Enjoy an English-Arabic Storytime as Sari Mira (resident storyteller at Arab American National Museum) reads various children's books.
Arab American Heritage Month (Mixed Media)
This media physical collection focuses on Arab American heritage and experiences.
Arabic Language Blog - Transparent Languages
Explore Language & Culture blogs and test your skills with written prompts to further expand your knowledge of Arabic and other languages!
Arab Cuisine Cookbooks!
Arab food is a celebration of community, tradition, and the simple pleasures of sharing a meal. List by Arwa Almasaari (Arab America).
Arab American Book Awards
These awards are intended to inspire authors, educate readers and foster a respect and understanding of the Arab American culture.
Celebrate Arab American Heritage Month
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, check out one of these titles.
Creating a New Market: Podcasting in the Middle East (Audio)
Adapted from the podcast Al Empire, Hebah Fisher talks about the founding of Kerning Cultures Network, a media company run by Arab women.
Color the Arabic Alphabet
Apr 1st - Apr 30th | All day
Learn about Arab American heritage by exploring the Arabic alphabet with coloring sheets.
Arab American Heritage Month (Streaming Movies)
Celebrate the beauty of Arab heritage by viewing this curated collection of films from Kanopy PLUS.
Arab Heritage (Digital Collection)
Dive into a curated collection of captivating movies & books showcasing the vibrant contributions of Arabs in North America and beyond.
Transparent Language Online
Choose from over 100 world languages, including English language courses. Learn anywhere, anytime.
Mango Languages
Start a conversation. Or sixty. Choose from over 60 world languages including English language courses.
2025 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: Arab American Heritage Month
- May: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- June: LGBTQ+ Pride Month
- July: Disability Pride Month
- September: Hispanic Latino Heritage Month
- November: Native American Heritage Month
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage (Streaming Films)
These films highlight distinctive AAPI stories and they also provide a unique perspective on identity, migration & perseverance.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage
Embrace rich cultures, diverse histories & remarkable contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders with Hoopla.
Cookbook Club: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 8th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Make dishes from a cookbook with recipes perfect for celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Stay for a potluck-style dinner.
Asian Historical Fiction
Step into the vibrant past of Asia with stories that brings ancient dynasties, legendary battles, and rich cultures to life.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage (Streaming Films)
These films highlight distinctive AAPI stories and they also provide a unique perspective on identity, migration & perseverance.
Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage
Embrace rich cultures, diverse histories & remarkable contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians & Pacific Islanders with Hoopla.
Cookbook Club: Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May 8th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Make dishes from a cookbook with recipes perfect for celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Stay for a potluck-style dinner.
Asian Historical Fiction
Step into the vibrant past of Asia with stories that brings ancient dynasties, legendary battles, and rich cultures to life.
About This Initiative
The Westerville Public Library’s intention with this initiative is to reflect our diverse community, encourage acceptance, promote respect, expand understanding, amplify a wide range of voices, and energize community conversations. Suggestions for future celebrations welcome.
Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Diverse Voices
Browse titles with perspectives & experiences of people from different backgrounds. Curated by Columbus Metropolitan Library.
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (online course)
Explore this belonging approach, and discover how to activate it in your organization.
CultureGrams
Discover cultures of the world. Go beyond the basic facts and figures with local perspectives on more than 200 countries
Unconscious Bias (online course)
Founder/CEO of Rework Work Stacey Gordon reveals the most common forms of unconscious bias and teaches skills to effectively address them.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Mindy B.
Mindy will always bring a smile to your face, even when she's concentrating on finding hard-to-get-your-hands-on books and journal articles.
Thomas S.
Fun and friendly, Thomas is often out-and-about, bringing entertainment and energy to community events around Westerville.
Aneeza P.
Aneeza is curious about people, cultures, communities, and social and organizational structures.
