Diwali Awareness in Libraries

Local Libraries

Libraries are a quiet yet powerful front line of representation. Libraries are where children first meet the wider world through books.
Talking about Diwali in this venue can do a lot.

• Introduces children to a festival of light, joy, and compassion

• Help Indian American kids see themselves in storytime and on the shelves

• Offers families of all backgrounds a way to explore Indian culture through books, crafts, music, and storytelling

• Encourages cultural curiosity and prevents stereotypes before they take root.

What can you do?

Contact librarians early and prepare them for October or November (dependent upon what month Diwali is celebrated) and recommend the following to raise Diwali awareness within the community:

• Request them to display books about India or Diwali

• Have them invite local Indian authors

• Lend them Indian artifacts and have them display these items in the library or in their case.

• Ask to conduct a community event where you invite local experts to show how to wear a sari, decorate with henna, conduct yoga/meditation sessions, etc....