Community Corner

Library Receives 'Let's Talk About It: Muslim Journeys' Grant

The East Meadow Public Library was selected to participate in "Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys," a scholar-led reading and discussion program "designed to foster opportunities for informed community conversations about the histories, faith and cultures of Muslims around the world and within the United States," according to East Meadow Public Library officials.

This is only available to sites that have been selected to receive the Muslim Journeys Bookshelf. The American Library Association (ALA) and the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) invited the humanities councils and public, academic and community college libraries that are participating in the Bookshelf to apply for Let’s Talk About It.

In May 2013, NEH and ALA selected 125 libraries and humanities councils to participate. Each participating site will focus on one of five Muslim Journeys themes, hosting a five-part, scholar-led reading and discussion series exploring the theme and related books.

The East Meadow Public Library chose the theme "American Stories," to be discussed by Dr. Hussein Rashid from Hofstra University.

Book discussions are held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays:

  • Prince Among Slaves by Terry Alford: Jan. 9 
  • The Columbia Sourcebook of Muslims in the United States (selections) compiled by Edward E. Curtis, IV: Feb. 6
  • Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a Generation by Eboo Patel: March 6
  • A Quiet Revolution: The Veil’s Resurgence, From the Middle East to America by Leila Ahmed (special guest speaker) April 10
  • The Butterfly Mosque by G. Willow Wilson: May 8
  • Reem Hussein, Islamic Calligraphy: Jan. 26
American born Muslim artist Reem Hussein holds a Bachelor’s degree in fine art and completed her training in interior design and the restoration of antiques and decorative arts objects at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York.

Her study of antiques, and preserving of the visual aging qualities of metal, wood and ceramics inspire the background renderings for her paintings. Traditional calligraphy is produced with a reed pen that the calligrapher herself carves.

Though Reem still practices her art using this medium, her finished works are usually in watercolor. Join us for this interactive presentation. Reservations open on Monday, Jan. 13.

This series has been made possible with public funds from the New York State Council of the Arts, a public agency.

Submitted by the East Meadow Public Library


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