Did you know that Worcester is an incredibly diverse city? Many people in Worcester come from a variety of different countries including: Vietnam, Brazil, Albania, Puerto Rico, Ghana, and the Dominican Republic. 

See below for some books celebrating these cultures:

An adventurous tale inspired by Vietnamese folk and fairy tales and the creations of The Wizard of Oz's  L. Frank Baum.

Aída de Acosta was the first woman to fly a motorized aircraft. She was inspired by the creations of Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who celebrated with her in her momentous landing.

The Spanish title, La Joven Aviadora is also available. 

Meli Lleshi and her family are forced to become refugees after her home in Kosovo is no longer safe. 

A vibrantly illustrated book about the beauty of Puerto Rico and the challenges of leaving one's beloved country.

Zura is nervous when she is asked to bring her Nana Akua to school for Grandparents Day. Nana Akua has marks on her face as part of a deep and sacred tradition from her country of Ghana, but Zura is worried that others will tease Nana because of her marks. Zura discovers that her cherished Nana is special in her own way. Includes Adinkra symbols and their meanings in the back of the book. 

Lucely is not just any kid-she's a kid whose ancestors live in a tree as firefly spirits! When she and her best friend accidentally let loose a host of evil spirits they will have to face their fears head on to save her precious firefly family spirits.

Also available in eBook format.

In addition to so many wonderful books about kids from other cultures we also have books for kids in other languages including: Albanian, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Korean, Japanese, Pashto, Persian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Urdu. 

-Cara

Here at the library we just had a wonderful surprise! Our very own special reviewer Sian was a guest yesterday on our Facebook Live's "Great Books for Kids." If you are looking for a new book to read or if you just want to learn more about this awesome reader- click here!

-Cara

May is here! Let's celebrate with some great upcoming programs and books to go along with them.

All ages:

-Bright Star Theater Presents The Wizard of Oz 

Introduce your child to the magic of theater as we follow the yellow brick road to the land of Oz. Meet all of your favorite characters along the way! Gain courage with the Cowardly Lion, take heart with the Tin Man, and find your wits with the Scarecrow in this fun, comedic, interactive retelling of the L. Frank Baum classic, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. 

Go through the alphabet with attractions such as: "E is for Encore," "Q is for Quick Change" and "Z is for Zing" in this vibrantly illustrated and fact-filled introduction to the theater. 

-Comforting Critters ZooMobile (featuring the animals of the Southwick's Zoo)

Attend a live animal meet and greet.

Learn more about your favorite animals from the land, sea, and sky.

Antología de Animales Extradinarios, The Spanish title is also available.

-DinoMan Presents 

Dinosaur tracks lead right to your library! Have no fear, DinoMan is here. With magic, merry mayhem and magnificent props, you'll be taken on a trip throughout the Mesozoic Age. 

It's a dinosaur extravaganza and only the best from each category will win. Read along to discover the award winners of "The Never-Ending Neck," "The Fuzzy and Furious," "The Scissorhands," and more. You'll never look at dinosaurs the same way again! 

Ages 2-6:

-Songfest

Join us for live, interactive songs featuring Jeannie Mack. Sing, clap, and act out songs with Jeannie in celebration of the warmer weather! 

Read the book that started it all!

Pete el Gato I Love My White Shoes, the Spanish title is also available.

Ages 5 and up: 

Learn about the ins and outs of flowers so you can appreciate your growing marigold even more.

Ages 6-11:

-Flamenco

In celebration of Worcester Flamenco’s 10th Anniversary, Mimi Capillo  (dance student) will do a book reading for kids. Followed by a Flamenco dance demonstration by Mimi and dance instructor Edmy Ortiz. Flamenco offers many benefits to kids while making noise with their feet. Join us for part 2 of this program where they will also offer a kids dance workshop.

A Pura Belpré Honor Book with everything you ever wanted to know about flamenco.

-STEAM Lab

Calling curious kids! Join us weekly for fun, hands-on projects involving different science, technology, engineering, art, and math concepts! Try drawing in 3D, building the tallest balloon tower, and making LED greeting cards! 

Includes such experiments as: "snowball flight tests," "snail racing," and "map the stars." 

Ages 10 and up:

-GarageBand Beats

No musical knowledge? Never picked up an instrument before? No problem! GarageBand is a user-friendly iOS software app that allows people from all backgrounds to create music of their own. Using virtual software instruments and premade loops you can make a song within minutes. All equipment is provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own Apple device if you own one. 

This handy book includes everything from recording your music to winning your fans.

Click here for more information on these programs, how to register, and to see more events to attend at the library.

-Cara