April is Arab American Heritage Month! We have reading recommendations, events, and online resources that can help you celebrate Arab American heritage and history this month and year-round.

Displays & Recommended Reading

Come to the library and peruse our displays for all ages during April. Our librarians have also curated a list of titles for adults, children & families, and teens that you can view through our online catalog.

Library Events

Getting to Know the Arab American Community

Thursday, April 6: 6:30-7:30 pm
Dr. Nina Shoman-Dajanim will discuss the Arab American community including history, immigration patterns, demographics, and diversity, with a spotlight on the Chicagoland region. Signup required.
Sign up

Arabic Storytime

Saturday, April 15: 10:30-11 am
Drop-In Event
Ages 3-8 with adult(s): Enjoy children’s stories and songs in Arabic with a native speaker. No signup required.
More Info

Middle School Book Club

Tuesday, April 18: 7-8 pm
Grades 6-8: Join us for our discussion of A Thousand Questions by Saadia Faruqi. Snacks will be served. Signup required.
Sign up

Love from A to Z Book Discussion

Tuesday, April 25: 7-8 pm
Grades 9-12: Join us for a discussion of Love from A to Z by SK Ali. Snacks will be served. Signup required.
Sign up

Online Resources

Hoopla offers eBooks, eAudiobooks, eComics, and movies for all ages that focus on Arab American experiences.

Ancestry Library Edition
Ancestry is the world’s largest collection of online family history records. The Library Edition provides census records from 1790-1930; birth, marriage, and death records; immigration records; vital and church records; military records; and court, land, and probate records. You must visit the library to use this resource.

HeritageHub
Explore your family history with the premier collection of U.S. obituaries and death notices for in-depth genealogical research from 1704–today. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information, and potentially find unknown family members.