One World Forsyth Program Series Kicks Off with Diwali Celebration

Forsyth County Public Library will launch “One World Forsyth,” a global cultural studies series, with a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. The celebration will be held on Wednesday, October 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sharon Forks Library.

“We are so excited about bringing aspects of global cultures to our local library. Our new One World Forsyth series offers a fun and entertaining way for children, teens, and adults to widen their worldview by learning about geography, plant and animal life, different cultural traditions, celebrations, games, and even different foods from all around the world,” says Laura Bradley, Program Manager.

One World Forsyth programs will be hosted each month at one of the four library branches on a rotating basis.  These programs are free and are intended for all ages.  Advance registration is not required to attend.  One World Forsyth is sponsored by the FCPL Friends & Advocates. 

October’s Diwali Celebration will include a traditional dance performance, samples of foods and treats served during Diwali, as well as diyas to paint and decorate. A diya is a small lamp made of clay that holds a bit of oil and a cotton wick. These lamps are used as a part of Diwali celebrations to symbolize the spiritual victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, and hope over despair.



November’s One World Forsyth event will be a presentation for National Native American Heritage Month at the Hampton Park Library. Acclaimed storyteller Barry Stewart Mann will present “Peace Pipes and Talking Leaves: Cherokee Leaders and Lore” on Sunday, November 16 at 2:00 p.m.  Through the voices of three historical figures -- Sequoyah, inventor of the Cherokee syllabary; Nancy Ward, Beloved Woman; and Dragging Canoe, brave warrior – Barry Stewart Mann will share Cherokee folklore, customs, and history.


On Monday, December 8 at 6:30 p.m., the Cumming Library will welcome the North Georgia Zoo’s Wildlife Wonders as they present “Animals Around the World” for the One World Forsyth series.  The audience will travel around the world visiting a vast array of animals from the tropics to the desert, from reptiles to insects, mammals, and birds.

“We are continuing to plan One World Forsyth programs for 2015, including events for Chinese New Year, National Women’s History Month, and Caribbean American Heritage Month,” explains Bradley.