Your public library is here with books, resources, and experiences that can help us connect and celebrate Arab American history and culture.
- Browse: Curated title suggestions for all ages.
- Attend: An Arab American Heritage Month Celebration on April 12.
- View: A special display in the Idea Box, April 1-30.
- Explore: Librarian-curated resources.
The month of April is recognized as Arab American Heritage Month in Illinois.
Title suggestions for all ages
More to explore
- Reading lists for kids: Titles by Arab & Arab American creators
- Stream on Kanopy: Films and documentaries
- Available on Hoopla: Ebooks, digital audiobooks, movies, music, and comics
Celebration event
Arab American Heritage Celebration
Saturday, April 12, 12-3 pm, Main Library
This vibrant cultural program is designed to foster understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Arab American heritage. Through a rich tapestry of food sampling, art, workshops, music, and discussions, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse and vibrant cultures of Arab Americans.
This event is made possible through collaboration with Dima Ali (founder of Being Different Workshops), Oak Park Neighbors, CJPIP (Committee for a Justice Peace in Palestine/Israel), Oak Park and River Forest MENA Student Club, and UIC Arab American Cultural Center.
Special display
Idea Box: Arab American Heritage Month
April 1-30, Main Library
This vibrant cultural month in the Idea Box is designed to foster understanding, appreciation, and celebration of Arab American heritage through a rich tapestry of art, clothing, flags, and books. Participants will have the opportunity to see the diverse and vibrant cultures of Arab Americans.
This event is made possible through collaboration with Dima Ali (founder of Being Different Workshops).
Subscription-based resources that Google can’t offer
Sign in with your Oak Park library card and PIN:
For kids
- PebbleGo (preschool-grades 3) and PebbleGo Next (grades 3-5): Check out the Social Studies module to explore.
- World Book Student (elementary & middle schoolers): Explore a collection of articles, tables, and multimedia of the world, and find maps showing political, population, economic, and meteorological information in the World Resources section.
Language learning
- Mango Languages: Reach conversational proficiency in Arabic. Language options include Arabic (Egyptian), Arabic (Iraqi), Arabic (Levantine), and Arabic (Modern Standard).
Newspapers & magazines
- Global Newsstream: Get full-text access to newspapers, news wires, websites, and blogs from leading publishers throughout the Middle East region. From the GlobalNewsstream front page, select "International Newsstream" and then "Middle East & African Newsstream."
- Muslim Journal [Chicago]: Read current full-text issues of the publication.
- PressReader: Search by language or country to find publications available in Arabic and/or from Arab countries.
