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THE SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS

swanaHonoring Southwest Asian & North African Cultures THE SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY PRESENTS

swanaHonoring Southwest Asian & North African Cultures

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. In recent years, the Library has celebrated Middle Eastern Heritage. In order to recognize more of our residents and the region, we are renaming our celebration SWANA. Many universities are adopting this language for use with their studies programs. SWANA is a way to describe the Southwest Asian and North African region in a geographical, non-political, non-religious and non-Eurocentric way. 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, learn about traditional Palestinian garb 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. For younger audiences, enjoy dances by Heaven Mousalem and a special performance by the Shahrzad Dance Company. More live performances include Leila’s Quest for Flight by the Golden Thread Fairytale Players and cultural performances by The Kidworks Touring Theatre. Teens can get an exclusive sneak peek of a teen written- and-produced podcast about contemporary Muslim fashions. Local baker Nora Takouat teaches families how to make authentic Algerian desserts, and the library brings out the bike-powered blender to whip up tasty batches of hummus. With SWANA, we hope that our residents from this region recognize that San Francisco welcomes and celebrates them. We also hope all our residents learn something new, have their curiosity stoked, and enjoy our varied programs.

All SWANA programs are sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. All programs at the Library are free. sfpl.org/swana Youth & Family Programs

DANCE FOOD Shahrzad Dance Company Hummus Making • Wednesday, Sept. 5, 3–4 p.m., Bernal Heights and Tasting with Rock-the-Bike Created by choreographer and author of The • Thursday, Sept. 6, 2–3 p.m., Excelsior Art of Persian Dance, this performance features • Saturday, Sept. 15, 2–3 p.m., Ocean View Shahrzad Dance Company’s • Thursday, Sept. 27, 5:30–6:30 p.m., Richmond interactive and educational Hop on the Rock-the-Bike blender bike and program on Persian Dance, an pedal your way to a yummy hummus snack. ancient art form shrouded in Ingredients provided. Ages 5 and up can pedal mystery. Elegant and flowing, the bike. All ages are welcome to taste. yet rhythmic and inspiring, this visual journey showcases Algerian Sweet Treats the essence of Persian culture, • Thursday, Sept. 20, 4–5 p.m., Sunset its connection to nature and • Saturday, Sept. 22, 4–5 p.m., Potrero the cosmos. Using Persian Local baker Nora dance techniques with unique Takouat teaches you body positions, angles, and how to make the dynamics that are intrinsic delicous authentic to Persian aesthetics, the Algerian dessert company dancers embody khamsa bniwen, which natural elements. means “hand shaped sweet” and includes chocolate, nuts and honey. For all ages. Arabic Dance with Heaven Mousalem Space is limited, please sign up in advance. • Saturday, Sept. 8, 11–11:30 a.m., Mission Bay • Saturday, Sept. 8, 2–2:30 p.m., Golden Gate Valley • Thursday, Sept. 13, 3:30–4 p.m., Chinatown ARTS & CRAFTS • Saturday, Sept. 15, 11–11:30 a.m., Mission Henna Hands-On Workshop • Saturday, Sept. 15, 2–2:30 p.m., Marina • Saturday, Sept. 8, 1:30–3 p.m., Presidio • Saturday, Sept. 29, 3–4 p.m., Eureka Valley Learn the history, art and The beautiful art of Raqs Sharqi, aka Arabic traditions of henna from the dance or “bellydance,” Arab world with Henna Garden. is a Middle Eastern/ Henna artist Renda Dabit North African folk shares a brief presentation, dance that was gives (temporary) henna tattoos, and teaches adapted for the participants to create their own henna art. stage in 1920s Egypt. Heaven Craft for Kids Mousalem presents • Wednesday, Sept. 19, an interactive, family- 2–3:30 p.m., Golden Gate Valley friendly performance Create a unique tile pattern of this dynamic dance inspired by Islamic art. form. Participation is Use repeating geometric shapes to explore encouraged. this intersection between math and art. For children ages 5 and up.

3 For craft programs, all materials are provided unless noted. For food programs, please be aware of food allergies. Youth & Family Programs

Make a Hamsa ARTS & CRAFTS • Friday, Sept. 21, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Mission Make a Hamsa, a universal sign of for youth and family peace used in many cultures and faiths to bring protection and good Art on the Go with luck. For school-age children. The Contemporary Jewish Museum THEATER • Saturday, Sept. 15, 12–1 p.m., Ocean View Leila’s Quest for Flight, Presented by • Saturday, Sept. 15, 3–4 p.m., West Portal Golden Thread Fairytale Players • Saturday, Sept. 22, 1–2 p.m., North Beach • Thursday, Sept. 20, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Noe Valley • Saturday, Sept. 22, 4–5 p.m., Anza • Friday, Sept. 21, 3–4 p.m., Portola • Saturday, Sept. 29, 2–3 p.m., Visitacion Valley • Saturday, Sept. 22, 2–3 p.m., Richmond • Saturday, Oct. 6, 2–3 p.m., SFMOMA Public Knowledge Create custom designs using block When the optometrist shatters printing on fabric, explore symbols little Leila’s dreams of becoming and patterns found throughout the a pilot, a menagerie of cultures of Southwest Asia and North mythic birds gathers to Africa and learn about the art of help her accomplish her fabric folding on mini-mannequins. goal. Drawn from beloved This program is inspired by Palestinian folktales, Leila’s Quest for Flight in- Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish corporates music, dance and physical comedy. Dress, from the Collection of For children ages 5 and up and their families. The Israel Museum, Jerusalem on view The Music, Dances & Aug. 30, 2018–Jan. 6, 2019 at Traditions of Southwest Asia The Contemporary Jewish Museum. to , presented by Kidworks Touring Theatre • Saturday, Sept. 22, 11 a.m.–12 p.m., Main Library • Saturday, Sept. 22, 1:30–2:30 p.m., Parkside • Saturday, Sept. 22, 4–5 p.m., Western Addition • Sunday, Sept. 23, 1–2 p.m., Ingleside • Sunday, Sept. 23, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Merced Explore the cultures and traditions of Southwest Asia and North Africa. Learn peaceful Arabic phrases, play ancient instruments and with us. Loaded with audience participation. For ages 4-12 and their families.

SWANA Celebration at Bernal Woman’s coat (detail). Bukhara, Uzbekistan, • Saturday, Sept. 8, 1:30–3:30 p.m., Bernal Heights late nineteenth century. Brocaded silk, - dyed silk and cotton lining. Photo © The Israel Music, crafts and refreshments for all ages. Museum, Jerusalem by Mauro Magliani.

September 2018 4 Programs for Teens & Tweens

Teens & Tweens FOOD ARTS & CRAFTS Hummus Tasting and Mancala Henna Tattoos • Wednesday, Sept. 12, • Saturday, Sept. 8, 2–3:30 p.m., Bernal Heights 3–4:30 p.m., Western Addition Try out a henna tattoo. These tattoos last about • Tuesday, Sept. 25, 8-10 days; a permission slip is required from a 3:30–4:30 p.m., Bayview parent/guardian. Sign up at the front desk. Try out delicious hummus and take part in one of the oldest games played. Ages 10-18. Henna Hands-On Workshop • Saturday, Sept. 8, 4–5:30 p.m., Park Middle Eastern Snack Trials for T(w)eens • Tuesday, Sept. 11, 4–5:30 p.m., Ortega • Thursday, Sept. 13, 3–5 p.m., Glen Park • Monday, Sept. 17, 4–5:30 p.m., Excelsior Taste some delicious Middle Eastern snacks. Learn the history, Ages 8-18. art and traditions of henna from the Arab world with Henna Garden. Henna artist Renda Dabit shares a brief presentation, gives (temporary) henna tattoos, and teaches participants to create their own henna art. Space is limited. Please contact the library to reserve your spot.

SWANA Afghanistan Morocco Algeria Palestine Cyprus Qatar Djibouti Egypt Somalia Eritrea Sudan Iran Syria Iraq Tajikistan Israel Tunisia Jordan Turkey Kazakhstan Turkmenistan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan Lebanon Western Sahara Libya Yemen

5 For craft programs, all materials are provided unless noted. For food programs, please be aware of food allergies. Programs for Teens & Tweens

Teens: Ages 13–18 FASHION ARTS & CRAFTS for teens, ages 13–18 Henna Hands-on Workshop • Monday, Sept. 10, 4–5:30 p.m., The Mix, Main Library Learn the history, art and traditions of henna from the Arab world with Henna Garden. Henna artist Renda Dabit shares a brief presentation, gives (temporary) henna tattoos, and teaches participants to create their own henna art.

Somewhere in America (video still) © Habib Yazdi Ward Off the Evil Eye with a Hamsa Craft • Sunday, Sept. 16, 3–4 p.m., Visitacion Valley Sneak Peak: Contemporary The Hamsa is an amu- Muslim Fashions Teen Podcast let used for protection, • Saturday, Sept. 22, 2–4 p.m., blessing, and strength in The Mix, Main Library Judaism, Christianity, and Interested in fashion, self expression, . Learn more about and finding your identity through the Hamsa and make your fashion? The Teen Advisory Board very own to decorate your at the de Young Museum presents home with. a podcast exploring themes related to an upcoming art exhibition at the de Young titled Contemporary Muslim Fashions. Be the first to hear the teen written and produced podcast and FOOD audio tour. Fashion related activities, projects and snacks will be available. SWANA Snacks For ages 13-18 only. and Social Hour • Wednesday, Sept. 5, 4:30–5:30 p.m., Ingleside Want to know more about the Take your time and relax while catching up Teen Advisory Board at the with friends during a celebratory SWANA de Young Museum? social hour. The Teen Advisory Board is com- posed of ten high school students SWANA Snack Trials who plan, host and promote events • Friday, Sept. 7, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Ortega to their teen communities. The teens • Monday, Sept. 17, 3–4 p.m., Ocean View see the museum as a place to unite • Tuesday, Sept. 18, 4–6 p.m., The Mix, Main Library and support one another through Join us after school to experience a taste of exploring important social issues. Southwest Asia and North Africa. Contact Tony, the teen librarian, for any questions.

September 2018 6 Programs for Adults

Muslim Women Beyond the Stereotypes SPECIAL EVENTS • Saturday, Sept. 29, 2–3 p.m., Golden Gate Valley Palestinian Dress The role of Muslim women and Islam’s • Saturday, Sept. 8, view of women is one of the most widely 12:30–1:30 p.m., Sunset misunderstood and misrepresented aspects of • Saturday, Sept. 8, the religion and its practitioners. Learn about 3–4 p.m., Excelsior the status of Muslim women today and hear The traditional about many notable Muslim women. of Palestine is extremely rich in embroidery. Learn about the regional differ- FOOD ences in traditional garb.

Islamic Art & Geometric Design • Saturday, Sept. 15, 2–3:30 p.m., Golden Gate Valley Create your own unique geometric pattern inspired by Islamic art. All materials provided.

Israeli Spice Blending with Bishulim SF • Saturday, Sept. 1, 1–2 p.m., Golden Gate Valley • Saturday, Sept. 1, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Bayview • Saturday, Sept. 29, 1–2 p.m., Eureka Valley Calligraphy Demonstration • Saturday, Sept. 29, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Ortega and Performance Israel is a melting pot, fusing East and West, • Saturday, Sept. 22, 2–3 p.m., Marina resulting in unique and delicious dishes. Chef Aliza presents foods that incorporate Audiences usually view calligraphy when her unique spice blends. it’s complete. Attend a performance of calligraphy for a unique opportunity to see the act done live. Hummus Tasting • Tuesday, Sept. 4, 7–8 p.m., Parkside SWANA Fest: Celebrating Southwest Learn to make hummus, taste Asian and North African Cultures samples, and make • Thursday, Sept. 27, 5–7 p.m., Western Addition your own to take home. Take a tour of Southwest Asian and North Space is limited; African culture. There will be , story register by calling readings, film, music, and a variety of treats (415) 355-5770. to sample from around the region.

7 For craft programs, all materials are provided unless noted. For food programs, please be aware of food allergies. Programs for Adults

Hunt for the Best Hummus • Thursday, Sept. 6, 4–5 p.m., Noe Valley MUSIC & DANCE Hunt for your favorite hummus with a World Music sampling from the familiar to the more unusual flavors. with Opium Sabbah Egyptian and Moroccan Spice Blends • Saturday, Sept. 1, 1:15–2 p.m., Park • Wednesday, Sept. 12, 7–8 p.m., Park • Saturday, Sept. 8, • Thursday, Sept. 20, 6:30–7:30 p.m., 1:30–2:15 p.m., Golden Gate Valley Bernal Heights Learn about spice blends used in Son of the legendary Algerian DJ Cheb I Egyptian and Sabbah, carries the torch for the world music Moroccan cuisine, genre music his father helped pioneer. during a hands- on participation. SF Kala Kendra Dances Attendees will leave • Saturday, Sept. 29, 2–3 p.m., Merced with a small sample Sarika Parekh and of the spice blends. All materials are provided. her troupe perform a classical Indian Taste SWANA dance, Kathak, and • Thursday, Sept. 13, 6–7 p.m., Potrero demonstrates the Middle Eastern Curious about the snack delicacies of influence on the style. SWANA? Sample food from many countries that are part of this important geographical region. Jewish Folk Songs • Saturday, Sept. 29, 3–4 p.m., Richmond Palestinian Food Tasting An accordion performance of Jewish folk songs played by Dina Gutkina. • Saturday, Sept. 15, 12–1 p.m., Ingleside • Saturday, Sept. 15, 3–4 p.m., Visitacion Valley • Saturday, Sept. 29, 1–2 p.m., West Portal • Saturday, Sept. 29, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Presidio BOOK CLUB Chef Nikki shares traditionally prepared Sugar Street by Palestinian cuisine and discusses the Naguib Mahfouz history of the dishes presented. • Thursday, Sept. 6, 6–7:30 p.m., Main Library Middle Eastern Snack Trials Join SFPL’s World • Sunday, Sept. 16, 3:30–4:30 p.m., Portola Literature Book Club You may know pita and for a spirited discussion hummus...now let’s get of Sugar Street by Nobel adventurous and try Prize-winning author some other tasty snacks Naguib Mahfouz. of the Middle East.

September 2018 8 SWANA Reading for all Ages

Looking to read more about Southwest Asian and North African cultures? Check out this booklist with selections inspired by two clothing and textile exhibitions at The Contemporary Jewish Museum and the de Young Museum.

For children: For teens and adults: Deep in the Sahara Americanized: Rebel Without by Kelly Cunnane a Green Card by Sara Saedi An Arab girl of the A hilarious, poignant and true Sahara who wants to story of one teen’s experience wear a malafa, the growing up in America as an veiled dress worn by her undocumented immigrant mother and older sister, from the Middle East. learns that the garment represents beauty, mystery, tradition, belonging and faith. A Strangeness in My Mind by Orhan Pamuk Mommy’s Khimar “Nobel Prize winner Pamuk by Jamilah has added another major Thompkins-Bigelow work to his oeuvre with A young Muslim girl this carefully detailed and spends a busy and compassionately told tale imaginative day wrapped up in her mother’s of life in Istanbul over the colorful headscarf. last 60 years” – Library Journal

Nabeel’s New Pants: Frankenstein in Baghdad: An Eid Tale by Fawzia A Novel by Ahmed Saadawi Gilani-Williams A wartime spin on Mary Nabeel the shoemaker Shelley’s Frankenstein and celebrates the Eid a tragicomic look at the Iraq holiday with a pair of War through the lens of pants stitched from love. a small neighborhood in U.S.-occupied Baghdad. Something from Nothing: Adapted from Mother of All Pigs: A Novel a Jewish Folktale by Malu Halasa by Phoebe Gilman “The struggles of being female A modern adaptation of in the Middle East, which a beloved Jewish folktale include stringent cultural about how a young boy’s demands and discrimination, blanket is transformed are thoroughly documented over the years into a in this timely novel.” – Library Journal jacket, a button, and ultimately, a story.

9 sfpl.org/swana SWANA Reading for all Ages

Muslim Fashion: EXHIBITIONS Contemporary Style Cultures by Reina Lewis A contextualization of modest wardrobe styling within Islamic and global consumer cultures, including interviews with designers, bloggers, shoppers, store clerks and shop owners.

My Father’s Paradise: “Geometric Abaya” dress with belt. Faiza A Son’s Search for his Jewish Bouguessa (est. 2014, United Arab Emirates) Past in Kurdish Iraq Courtesy of Faiza Bouguessa. by Ariel Sabar The Fine Arts Museums of A journalist explores his San Francisco’s de Young museum Jewish and Kurdish roots with hosts Contemporary Muslim Fashion his father by traveling to Iraq. (Sept. 22, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019). The first major museum exhibition Pious Fashion: to explore the complex and diverse How Muslim Women Dress nature of Muslim fashions and by Elizabeth M. Bucar current modest dress codes. Shows how Muslim women approach the question “What The Contemporary Jewish Museum to wear?” with style. hosts Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the Collection The Flying Camel: of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem Essays on Identity (Aug.30, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019). by Women of North African This exhibition focuses on how and Middle Eastern Jewish clothes balance the personal with Heritage (anthology) the social, how dress traditions dis- Exploring the stereotypes of tinguish differ­ent Jewish communi- who Jewish women are, this ties and how they portray Jewish and collection introduces the stories of Jewish secular affiliations within a larger women from the Arab and North African worlds. societal context. “Great Dress” The Jewish Wardrobe: From (berberisca or al kesswa l’kebira) the Collection of the Israel (detail). , Museum, Jerusalem Morocco, early twentieth century. In this colorful volume, Jewish Photo © The Israel communities—particularly Museum, Jerusalem by those established for centuries Mauro Magliani. in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa—are revealed through their garments.

September 2018 10 Films

Feminism Inshallah: Where Should A History of Arab Feminism the Birds Fly • Saturday, Sept. 1, 10:30–11:30 a.m., Mission Bay • Thursday, Sept. 13, • Sunday, Sept. 2, 1–2 p.m., North Beach 4–5:30 p.m., Ocean View • Thursday, Sept. 13, 6–7 p.m., Visitacion Valley A documentary film • Wednesday, Sept. 26, 6:30–7:30 p.m., Glen Park about Gaza made by This groundbreaking Palestinians living the documentary recounts reality of Israel’s siege Arab feminism’s largely and blockade of a unknown story, from its tiny enclave. taboo-shattering birth in (2013, NR, 64 mins.) Refreshments served. Egypt by feminist pioneers to viral Internet campaigns Best of Arab Shorts by today’s tech-savvy • Saturday, Sept. 22, 1–4 p.m., Main Library young activists during the Arab Spring. Arab Shorts is a multifaceted program that includes narrative, documentary and animated (2014, NR, 55 mins.) short films. This event will feature a collection of outstanding short films from the upcom- Kedi-The Cats of an Ancient City ing Arab Film Festival, showcasing emergent • Saturday, Sept. 8, 2–3:30 p.m., Chinatown voices and diverse approaches in cinematic Hundreds of thousands storytelling by contemporary Arab filmmakers of cats roam the metrop- and artists. Sponsored by the Arab Film and olis of Istanbul freely. For Media Institute. thousands of years they’ve wandered in and out of people’s lives, becoming an essential part of the communities that make the city so rich. In Turkish with English subtitles. (2016, NR, 79 mins.) Between Fences: Israel’s African Refugees and the Sonita Theater of the • Sunday, Sept. 9, 1:30–3 p.m., Western Addition Oppressed After her family attempts • Thursday, Sept. 27, to sell her into marriage, 6–8 p.m., Excelsior a young Afghan refugee An Israeli filmmaker in Iran channels her documents the story of frustrations and seizes her African asylum-seekers in a detention facility destiny through music. in the middle of the Negev desert where they Winner of Best World are confined by the state of Israel. Cinema Documentary at the Sundance Film (2016, NR, 85 mins.) Festival. (2015, NR, 92 min.)

11 sfpl.org/swana NOE VALLEY/SALLY BRUNN LIBRARY LOCATIONS (415) 355-5707 ANZA 451 Jersey St. (near Castro) (415) 355-5717 NORTH BEACH 550 37th Ave. (near Anza) (415) 355-5626 BAYVIEW/LINDA BROOKS-BURTON 850 Columbus Ave. (at Lombard) (415) 355-5757 OCEAN VIEW 5075 Third St. (at Revere) (415) 355-5615 BERNAL HEIGHTS 345 Randolph St. (at Ramsell) (415) 355-2810 ORTEGA 500 Cortland Ave. (at Moultrie) (415) 355-5700 CHINATOWN/HIM MARK LAI 3223 Ortega St. (at 39th Ave.) (415) 355-2888 PARK 1135 Powell St. (near Jackson) (415) 355-5656 EUREKA VALLEY/HARVEY MILK MEMORIAL 1833 Page St. (at Cole) (415) 355-5616 PARKSIDE 1 José Sarria Court (16th Street near Market) (415) 355-5770 EXCELSIOR 1200 Taraval St. (at 22nd Ave.) (415) 355-2868 PORTOLA 4400 Mission St. (at Cotter) (415) 355-5660 GLEN PARK 380 Bacon St. (at Goettingen) (415) 355-2858 POTRERO 2825 Diamond St. (near Bosworth) (415) 355-2822 1616 20th St. (near Connecticut) GOLDEN GATE VALLEY (415) 355-5666 PRESIDIO 1801 Green St. (at Octavia) (415) 355-2880 3150 Sacramento St. (near Baker) INGLESIDE (415) 355-2898 RICHMOND/SEN. MILTON MARKS 1298 Ocean Ave. (at Plymouth) (415) 355-5600 351 9th Ave. (near Clement) MAIN LIBRARY (415) 557-4400 SUNSET 100 Larkin St. (at Grove) (415) 355-2808 1305 18th Ave. (at Irving) MARINA (415) 355-2823 VISITACION VALLEY 1890 Chestnut St. (near Webster) (415) 355-2848 201 Leland Ave. (at Rutland) MERCED (415) 355-2825 WEST PORTAL 155 Winston Dr. (at 19th Ave.) (415) 355-2886 190 Lenox Way (at Ulloa) MISSION (415) 355-2800 WESTERN ADDITION 300 Bartlett St. (at 24th St.) (415) 355-5727 1550 Scott St. (at Geary) MISSION BAY (415) 355-2838 MOBILE OUTREACH SERVICES 960 Fourth St. (at Berry) (415) 557-4346

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