The Ontario City Library has been awarded the “Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys” collection. The collection consists of 25 books and 3 DVDs selected to foster an understanding of Islamic culture. An online subscription to Oxford Islamic Studies will also be available to library customers.

“Bridging Cultures Bookshelf: Muslim Journeys” is a project of the National Endowment for the Humanities, conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association. Support was provided by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York. Additional support for the arts and media components was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Local support is provided by the Claremont Lincoln University.

A variety of programs related to the “Muslim Journeys” materials are planned: films followed by scholarly discussions; special displays; and Arabian Nights Story Times for families, including a Readers Theater performance and crafts. To promote understanding and generate appreciation for Islamic culture the project will culminate with an observation of Eid al-Adha with food and storytelling.

The initial event in connection with the award will be a film screening about the lives of Muslim women, which will be followed by a discussion. The film will be shown on Wednesday, March 13, 2013, at 6:00 PM at the Ovitt Family Community Library.

For more information about the film or the award please call (909) 395 – 2252. This program is free and open to the public age 16 and older. The library is located at 215 East C Street in Ontario.