Middle Eastern Heritage Festival | September 2017

The San Francisco Public Library celebrates Middle Eastern Heritage Month in September 2017 with a wide array of programs in recognition of the diverse histories, cultures and traditions from the Middle East.

Visit the Main Library to learn about the “cradle of civilization” from Dr. Abdul Jabbar. Taste delectable Egyptian street food cuisine at Mission Bay and view an Arabic dance performance by Heaven Mousalem at Western Addition. Families and folk of all ages will enjoy Middle Eastern cultural celebrations held at several branches with performances, games, crafts and food.

Visit sfpl.org/MiddleEasternHeritage for more details.  View the complete Program Guide (PDF).

Middle Eastern Heritage Festival 2017
September 1-30. 2017
San Francisco Public Library
FREE (some events require registration)

Festival Highlights

WEDNESDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 6:30-8:00 PM – Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Room
The Middle East as the Cradle of Civilization – Middle Eastern people and the entire Middle Eastern region have had periods of great accomplishments that have earned it the title of the cradle of civilization. Dr. Abdul Jabbar, emeritus professor of English and Interdisciplinary Studies at City College of San Francisco, will offer a glimpse of Middle East with help from a video clip and literary selections.

THURSDAY 7 SEPTEMBER, 3:00-4:00 PM – Bayview Branch
Hummus Making-and-Tasting – Celebrate Middle Eastern Heritage by savoring some hummus that You help make. We
will try two recipes, and experience some of the wonderful flavors and textures of this Middle Eastern dish.

Rock the Bike: Hummus Edition
Learn how to make hummus, a delicious Middle Eastern dip. We will prepare hummus with our fantastic bike-powered blender and enjoy it with pita bread. Recipes will be available to take home. Yum!
– Sept. 9, 4 p.m., Potrero Branch
– Sept. 14, 3 p.m., Glen Park Branch
– Sept. 16, 2 p.m., Ocean View Branch

SATURDAY 16 SEPTEMBER, 3:30-4:00 PM – Western Addition Branch
Arabic Dance with Heaven Mousalem – Arabic dance, also known as belly dance, balady, or raqs sharqi, is one of the oldest dance forms in the world. Bay Area based dancer Heaven Mousalem will introduce us to this wonderful performance art, complete with colorful costume and traditional Arabic music. After the show, anyone who wishes to try out the moves will be invited to get up and join the fun.

THURSDAY 21 SEPTEMBER, 6:30-8:00 PM – Excelsior Branch
Moroccan-Inspired Lanterns – Arts & Crafts Night. Create glass lanterns in the style of Moroccan geometric patterns. Please bring empty clean glass jars. Mason jars or pasta sauce jars will work fine. Join us for easy DIY and arts & craft projects on the third Thursday of most months. For adults. Advanced sign-up is required. Please call 415.355.2868 or visit the Excelsior Branch Library to register.

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 3:00-4:00 PM – Park Branch
Middle Eastern Spice Mixes and Blends – Learn how to make your own Middle Eastern Spice mixes and blends. The blends will contain spices that are familiar and exotic, lesser known ingredients. Recipes and all ingredients will be provided.
Participants will take home a sample spice mix.

SATURDAY 23 SEPTEMBER, 3:00-4:00 PM – West Portal Branch
Middle Eastern Snack Trials – You may know pita and hummus…now let’s get adventurous and try some of the other tasty snacks of the Middle East. All ages are welcome.

SUNDAY 24 SEPTEMBER, 1:00-4:00 PM – Main Library, Koret Auditorium
AFMI Presents: The Best of Arab Shorts, a multifaceted program that includes narrative, documentary and animated short films. This event will feature a collection of outstanding short films from the Arab Film and Media Institute (AFMI) showcasing emergent voices and diverse approaches in cinematic storytelling by contemporary Arab filmmakers and artists.

WEDNESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER, 6:00-8:00 PM – Bernal Heights Branch
Celebrate Middle Eastern Cultures – Join us in celebration of Middle Eastern Heritage. With a special performance, craft stations and refreshments, this event has something for all ages.

SATURDAY 30 SEPTEMBER, 2:00-3:00 PM – Mission Bay Branch
Egyptian Street Food Tasting – Come celebrate the heart and soul of Egypt. Join San Francisco chef, and restaurant owner, Sausan, to learn more about Egyptian street food. Sausan will prepare and share three dishes: Mulukhia (leafy vegetable broth or stew), Fuul (cooked fava beans), and Kushary (comforting bowl of lentils and rice, pasta, and chickpeas). Participants will get to taste these three authentic Egyptian cuisines, and learn more about Egyptian food, history and culture. Recipes will be distributed to attendees. Space is limited. Please call 415.355.2838 to register.