Acclaimed Muslim Voices Program Returns to Dearborn Library

Books on the Muslim Voices reading lists were carefully chosen for both their high quality and unique perspectives on being a Muslim in the world today. (Photo via Muslim Voices)

_____________

The Dearborn Public Library has been invited to participate in a second round of the Muslim Voices program for teens by the Michigan Humanities Council and the New York Council for the Humanities.

The Library was a pilot site for the teen program of Muslim Voices in April 2014 before it was launched nationwide. Muslim Voices aims to create a space for children and teens – both Muslim and non-Muslim – to recognize the common bonds that unite humanity and learn about various Muslim cultures and traditions throughout the world.

“We are so happy for the opportunity to continue with the Muslim Voices program at our library,” said Isabella Rowan, librarian and project director at Henry Ford Centennial Library. “It is a valuable program that really promotes dialogue and understanding among young people from different backgrounds.”

During the Muslim Voices program, young people ages 14-17 will read and discuss a selection of high-quality young adult books that explore universal themes in American life through engaging stories with Muslim protagonists.

Each session will focus on one book and one theme, allowing the group to engage in deep discussions of literature and the common bonds that make us human. Teens of all faiths and cultural backgrounds are invited to participate.

“Our sessions are designed to encourage young people to use the characters in the stories as a starting point to discover their individual voices and talk with each other,” Rowan said. “What do you want to say? Let’s find your voice.”

The discussions will be co-facilitated by Rowan and Anisa Sahoubah, ACCESS Youth and Education Director.

In addition to reading and discussing four great books that are theirs to keep, the Muslim Voices program provides young people with the opportunity to munch on pizza, make new friends, win prizes, and earn community service points.

Muslim Voices will meet 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, March 3, 17 and 31, and April 14, 2015 at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, 16301 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn. It is open to teens ages 14-17.

The program is free, but registration is required. Registration begins Tuesday, Feb. 17. Interested teens should stop by the adult reference desk at the Library to sign-up and receive the first book. Participants are expected to attend all four sessions.

Funding for this program is provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Michigan Humanities Council. For more information about the Muslim Voices program, please contact Isabella Rowan at 313-943-2816. For a sneak peek at the list of books to be read during the program, please visit www.dearbornlibrary.org.

The Michigan Humanities Council is a private, nonprofit organization created to foster a better understanding of each other and our state through local cultural, historical and literary experiences for all. For more information, visit www.michiganhumanities.org.

The New York Council for the Humanities provides leadership and support across the state’s intellectual and cultural sectors in order to encourage critical thinking and cultural understanding in the public arena. For more information about the New York Council for the Humanities and Muslim Voices, visit http://togethermuslimvoices.org.

» Sign up below for the free daily Dearborn Patch newsletter and periodic news alerts.