San Leandro Library Receives $5K Grant

SAN LEANDRO, CA — The San Leandro Public Library has been awarded a $5000 grant for its project “(be)Longing: Woven Into The Fabric of the Community.” It's a program to help to help immigrants become more connected to the community.

The Library Innovation Lab Grant was provided by California Humanities.

(be)Longing is a series of free intergeneration community events that will promote the learning about and embracing of the diverse cultures that make up San Leandro. It runs now through December.

“After months of seeking out and interviewing immigrants in San Leandro, engaging in various trainings about innovative design theory practices, and working with a cohort of supportive and creative library professionals across California, I feel honored and privileged to design library events that celebrate the diversity of San Leandro, promote thoughtful and connective community engagement, and extend the welcoming/ inclusive spirit at the library to all,” said Project Director and adult reference librarian Patty Mallari.

The (be)Longing events include:

• COVID protocol-friendly passive woven art displays and poetry walks
• a Chef Talk with local chef Anthony Salguero, who will discuss the tradition and history behind Salvadoran cuisine, and offer to-go Salvadoran Tamale Tastings and listening circles.
• Mabuhay! A series of traditional Filipino dances by Kariktan Dance Company, followed by to-go pancit with lumpia tastings.
• A Teen Mini-Zine Workshop featuring Indigenous ways to honor our land with Costanoan Ohlone-Mutsun, and Chumash activist, artist, and educator Kanyon Sayers-Roods (a.k.a. Coyote Woman)
• A Family Fun Night traditional pow-wow dance performance with the youths of Intertribal Friendship House
• A Health Talk with public health specialist Leafa Tuita Taumoepeau about everyday healthy living tips during the holiday season, followed by to-go Mango Otai tastings.

“American public libraries have played an important role in welcoming newcomers throughout our history,” said Julie Fry, President & CEO of California Humanities. “This year, the cohort of our Library Innovation Lab program will continue that legacy by building capacity within California libraries for all communities in our state—from newly arrived immigrants to longtime residents. We congratulate the ten grantees whose projects will promote understanding and provide insight into a wide range of topics, issues, and experiences."

California Humanities is a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment for
the Humanities, and has provided grants and programs across the state since 1975.