Going around the globe

MILAN — Without leaving their hometown, children and adults experienced and explored cultures foreign to them through a special program put on by the Milan-Berlin Library District. On Saturday at the Milan branch, many people attended the Arts Around the World with a family-friendly multicultural festival. The event also acted as a finale to the out-of-school summer reading program. Among the day's featured activities, as explained by the district, participants whether young, old and in between: • "Enjoyed the stirring sounds of Scottish Highland bagpipes with Duane Dickson" • "Stepped into the elegance of Japan's rich heritage through the art of Japanese dance with ShoJoJi Japanese Dancers." • Listened to "Robin Pease, founding artistic director and playwright/performer of Kulture Kids, (who shared) information about Native American culture and people" • Received henna tattoos from a professional artist • Visited hands-on craft stations • Sampled global treats Library workers thanked the Wightman-Wieber Charitable Foundation for, in part, sponsoring this program, which made it free for all attendees. "Our library system always strives to bring our community an exciting and diverse slate of programs and services, including multicultural events like this past Saturday's summer reading program finale," said Christine Sholes, the library district's marketing/technology librarian, who oversaw this event. "While we've been thrilled to celebrate global cultures through past programs like our annual Lunar New Year party and Bubble Tea Community Social as well as through previous performances — featuring West African drumming and Indian dance — this year's summer reading theme, Color Our World, seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate the culinary, performing and fine arts in one big multicultural festival."