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.
National Deaf History Month (April)
Celebrate National Deaf History Month
Read these titles to celebrate National Deaf History Month.
Celebrate National Deaf History Month (for Families)
Celebrate deaf and hard of hearing people and book characters with these stories for kids and families.
Signing Black in America
Part of the doc Talking Black in America, this excerpt covers Black ASL and its impact on identity within the Black Deaf Community.
Fairchild Hall: So You Think You Know Westerville?
Join us as we explore a semi-abandoned building off Sunbury Rd. called Fairchild Hall, formerly the Ohio Home for the Aged & Infirm Deaf.
ASL Stories Directory (DeafChildren.org)
ASL Stories Directory offers hundreds of free videos of your favorite books. Reading & signing helps promote essential literacy skills.
Finding Pictures: Deaf History Month (Library of Congress)
This engaging presentation from the Library of Congress shares many historical images pertaining to Deaf History in America.
Learn American Sign Language
Start a conversation with a hearing impaired colleague or friend with this online language course.
Reusable Writing Tablets
If you are unable to communicate vocally, staff can chat with you in written form via Boogie Board® tablets. Available at service desks.
Special Arrangements for a Library Event or Service
Please request special arrangements within at least 5 days advance notice.
Celebrating Deaf History
Celebrate National Deaf History Month (April 1-30) with this collection of titles featuring deaf characters for adults and kids.
Movies & TV Featuring Deaf Characters
April is National Deaf History Month. These movies and TV shows all showcase deaf characters.
2024 Schedule of Celebrations
- February: Black History Month
- March: Women's History Month
- April: National Deaf History 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
Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
A list of great reads featuring Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and/or characters.
Marvel Voices Comic Series
Originally starting as a podcast, Marvel Voices has expanded to comic format to highlight characters and creators of color in Marvel comics.
Asian/Pacific American Awards for Literature
This award honors books about Asian/Pacific Americans, their history and culture.
Cookbook Club: Asian American Heritage Month
May 9th | 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Make dishes from a cookbook that celebrates Asian cooking and share your creation for a potluck-style dinner. Discuss what you made…
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.Â
Heritage in this context is intended to encompass the people, places, and things that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Westerville Voices
Turning up the volume on unheard voices in our community to foster empathy & understanding.
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.
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.
Erin H.
Erin is a Victorian romance girl, through and through.
