Middle Eastern “SWANA” Heritage Festival | 2018

EVENT UPDATE: There are no upcoming events known for this event series - please check the organizer website for any updates.

In recent years, the Library has celebrated Middle Eastern Heritage. In order to recognize more of the residents and the region, they are renaming the celebration SWANA.

SWANA honors the diverse cultures, traditions and histories of Southwest Asian and North African heritage. Throughout the month, enjoy a diverse array of lectures, films, cooking demonstrations and performance programs for all ages at every library location.

During SWANA, view a collection of outstanding short films from the Arab Film Festival, listen to beats by Opium Sabbah, son of the legendary Algerian DJ Cheb I Sabbah, attend calligraphy demonstrations, and attend a presentation about the role and status of Muslim women today.

Fantastic food programs include sampling dishes by Chef Aliza, made with with her unique Israeli spice blends, Palestinian food tastings and hummus making classes.

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

SWANA Heritage Festival 2018
September 1-30. 2018
San Francisco Public Library
FREE (some events require registration)

2018 Festival Highlights

Rock the Bike: Hummus Edition
Hop on the Rock-the-Bike blender bike and pedal your way to a yummy hummus snack. Ingredients provided. Ages 5 and up can pedal the bike. All ages are welcome to taste
– Thursday, Sept. 6, 2–3 p.m., Excelsior
– Saturday, Sept. 15, 2–3 p.m., Ocean View
– Thursday, Sept. 27, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Richmond

SWANA Snack Trials
Join after school to experience a taste of Southwest Asia and North Africa. Contact Tony, the teen librarian, for any questions.
– Friday, Sept. 7, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Ortega
– Monday, Sept. 17, 3–4 p.m., Ocean View
– Tuesday, Sept. 18, 4–6 p.m., The Mix, Main Library

Sunday 16 September, 3:30-4:30 PM – Portola
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.

Saturday 22 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 upcoming Arab Film Festival, showcasing emergent voices and diverse approaches in cinematic storytelling by contemporary Arab filmmakers and artists.