Hamilton East Public Library (HEPL) is set to celebrate “Welcoming Week” from September 13 to 22, 2024, at its Fishers and Noblesville locations. This initiative is part of a nationwide movement led by the nonprofit organization “Welcoming America,” which aims to foster connections between immigrant and non-immigrant communities across the U.S.
Welcoming Week is an annual series of events where neighbors, newcomers, and long-time residents come together to build stronger, more inclusive communities. Through these gatherings, Welcoming America highlights the positive impact of embracing diversity.
HEPL will use the week to celebrate the multicultural makeup of the Fishers and Noblesville communities, while showcasing how the library’s mission and services support inclusivity throughout the year. The public is invited to join cultural and civic programs hosted during the week.
“We are thrilled to offer our first-ever Welcoming Week at Hamilton East Public Library!” said Amber Wright, Director of Public Services at HEPL. “This aligns perfectly with our vision of being ‘a connected library in a connected community.’ Fishers and Noblesville are home to residents from around the globe, and while we provide resources year-round, this week gives us an opportunity to especially celebrate the diversity that enriches our community.”
In addition to Welcoming Week events, HEPL offers ongoing services to support language learning and cultural engagement, including ENL conversation groups, language translation services, and partnerships for English language learner (ELL) classes.
2024 HEPL Welcoming Week Events:
- Venezuelan History, Culture, and Migration (Thu. 9/19 | 6-7:30pm | Noblesville Library)
- Bollywood Dance and Culture with Teaching Artist Usha Sirimalle (Thu. 9/19 | 6:30-7:30pm | Fishers Library)
- Paper Picado Banner with Teaching Artist Beatriz Vasquez (Sat. 9/21 | 11am-12:30pm & 2-3:30pm| Ignite Studio at the Fishers Library)
Year-round services and materials:
- Weekly ENL Conversation Group
- Propio language translation service
- ELL Classes, in partnership with Washington Township Adult Education
- World Language collection – books and films
Online Resources:
- Mango language learning
- A-Z Maps Online
- A-Z World Travel
- Ancestry.com (library edition)
- Gale in Context – Global Issues
- Gale in Context – World History
- Global Road Warrior
- National Geographic Kids
- Newspapers.com World Collection
More details about HEPL’s programs and resources can be found at hamiltoneastpl.org.