Hello from the Platt Branch Library, where we are working on a Teens Leading Change project exploring cultural diversity in our community. We selected this topic because we are committed to addressing misconceptions about different religions and fostering greater awareness and appreciation for all cultures.
For the past couple of months, Platt Library’s Teens Leading Change group has been working on planning events that will aim towards celebrating diversity at our branch. This year’s goal of multicultural awareness has inspired multiple events that will explore the art, dance, food, martial arts, religion, and music of the world.
What better way to celebrate the community of the Platt Library than having them perform live for young audiences! Our TLC group worked efficiently in reaching out to friends and local businesses to have them showcase parts of their culture that hold a special place in their hearts.
Our first event for the year will be held in January, where we will be looking into folklore from different cultures and religions across the globe and reading children’s books about them to the kids who attend the event. Alongside storytime will be various craft stations that look into the traditional art forms that have helped illustrate history. Attendees can look forward to crafts such as masquerade masks, maracas, origami, accordion dragons, and mandalas! Each item will be a keepsake that the children can take home with them with the history of how the art form came to be.
Mandalas, especially, hold a special place in my heart as they bring back memories of when I would draw them in front of my house for special occasions with my mom. It’s a traditional Hindu practice called Rangoli, which is a way to welcome guests during festivals. In India, mandalas can get very intricate and colorful, and some people even compete in competitions, producing full-fledged masterpieces. I hope to see Platt’s TLC bring this same joy of celebrating diversity with our events!
—Chaitra Doddi
Chaitra is a volunteer at the Platt Branch and an 11th-grade student at Taft High School.
—Jennifer Watson, Young Adult Librarian, Platt Branch.
The Teens Leading Change initiative has funded and launched 52 projects across 60 branches with over 600 participants, including 9 projects across 10 branches that are happening now! Go to lapl.org/teens/tlc for more information.