Nowruz is a non-religious, non-political Iranian holiday that falls on the vernal equinox and celebrates spring and the Iranian New Year. It is a cultural celebration, recognized throughout the world each year among Iranian families. With financial support from the Child Foundation, an international charity organization that helps children living in poverty remain in school, we were able to offer many activities and celebrate Nowruz at the Palms-Rancho Branch Library in style.
The program had an audience of about 110 people, and included an informative presentation complete with a slideshow, a professional dance performance, two musicians playing traditional instruments and a storytime that included children acting out the story. We also provided festive Nowruz arts and crafts. This included egg painting and decorating illustrations of a Haft Seen table with edible materials like Goldfish crackers. The Child Foundation provided food, volunteers and financial support and also sponsored the giveaway of free children’s music CDs for each family.
A branch of the Los Angeles Public Library looks to the local Persian community for inspiration on how best to celebrate spring.Â