40 Years of the New Americans Program

Sunday, November 19, 12:30–4:30 pm
Flushing Library Lower Level
41-17 Main Street, 718-661-1200

Come join the festivities with the New Americans Program as we celebrate 40 years of providing programs and services to Queens’ diverse ethnic communities! We’ll be hosting a resource fair, food and craft demonstrations, music and dance performances, games, and more. Plus, learn how you can contribute to the Queens Memory Project by sharing your immigration story.

40th ANNIVERSARY PROCLAMATION

12:30 pm, Auditorium

Festivities will open with a 40th anniversary proclamation. Opening remarks by Dennis M. Walcott.

SPECIAL EVENT in collaboration with Queens Museum*

1 pm–2:30 pm, Rooms C & D

Join Sol Aramendi, and Cristian Flores, visual artists originally from Argentina and Ecuador, in the “Vinyl Social Lounge” a space for multicultural music which will inspire writing a memory and creating a piece of art for a group mural reflecting identity and immigrant experiences. Note: Materials are limited; on a first-come, first-served basis.  
*Queens Museum’s New New Yorkers Program is funded by the Altman Foundation and TD Bank. Additional support by the New York Community Trust, the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, and the New York State Council on the Arts.

CRAFTS/FOOD DEMONSTRATIONS

1 pm–2:30 pm, Rooms A & B

Artisans from around the world will exhibit their artwork and perform demonstrations of their craft and explain their techniques.  Food demonstrations will introduce you to international delicacies.  Note: Materials are limited; on a first-come, first-served basis.  
*Participants in food workshops are welcome to try the prepared food. Queens Library is not responsible for any allergic reaction or illnesses resulting from participation.

Taiwanese Flower Arrangements
Taiwanese-American floral artist Anna Kao will provide instruction on the fine art of floral arranging: from a simple corsage to more complicated arrangements for home, parties, and festivities.
Presenter: Anna Kao  

Afghan Dessert Demonstration and Tasting: Firni
Firni is a delicious, creamy Afghan custard made with milk, sugar, cornstarch, and cardamom. Almonds and pistachios are generously sprinkled on the finished product.
Presenter: Women for Afghan Women

Turkish Food Demonstration and Tasting: Börek
Learn how to make börek, a family of baked filled pastries made of thin flaky dough known as phyllo (or yufka) of Anatolian origins.
Presenter: Turkish Cultural Center Queens 

Russian Folkloric Teapot Doll Crafts 
In Russia, tea drinking is a solemn ritual when news is discussed and important matters are decided. Since the ceremony usually takes time, teapot covers are necessary to ensure that the tea stays hot for a long time. Get creative and make your own!
Presenter: Yevgeniya Rozentsvit 

MUSIC AND DANCE

1 pm–2:30 pm, Auditorium

Traditional Korean dance and music performance, featuring the Korean drum
Korean drums play an important part in traditional Korean music, ranging from folk music to royal court music. We have gathered talented performers for this special presentation.

Traditional Chinese Music
Founded in 1999, the Ba Ban Chinese Music Society’s performance will feature Zhou Yi on pipa (lute), Yimin Miao on dizi (bamboo flute), Jie Ji on huqin (fiddle), Yunyue Wang on gu (percussion), and dancer Ling Tang.

Traditional Bangla Music
The acclaimed New York-based Bangladeshi cultural organization Rongaloy will perform traditional music and dance dressed in colorful folk costumes of their home country, a feast for the eyes and ears. 

Music from the Dominican Republic
Berto Reyes and his Band will perform traditional music, known as perico ripiao, on the güira, drum and accordion. They will also play merengue típico, a traditional Dominican merengue, and merenhouse, a blend of merengue with American hip-hop and rap, with the added sounds of sax, bass and conga. 

IMMIGRATION WORKSHOP

2:30 pm– 3 pm, Rooms C & D

Come and learn about your rights as immigrants.

ENGLISH LEARNING GAMES

2:30 pm– 3 pm, Rooms A & B

Adults learning English are invited to play fun word games!

CLOSING PERFORMANCE

3:45 pm–4:30 pm, Auditorium

Traditional Music from Nepal
Nepalese music is tightly woven into its culture and society. No ritual, festival or ceremony can go without music being played. Experience the traditional music of Nepal’s many ethnic groups in this stunning closing performance. 

Admission is Free

For more information, call 718-990-0891

These programs are made possible with generous support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Hearst Foundation.

Queens Library is an independent, not-for-profit corporation and is not affiliated with any other library system.