Seraj Library Project
Working alongside Palestinian communities to establish libraries as safe, beautiful and vibrant community centers.
Learn from pictures and stories what it is like growing up in the West Bank.
Admission and parking are free but registration is encouraged. Check back soon.
The Oak Park Public Library is easily accessible from the CTA Green Line.
Mark your calendar now. Check back soon to register.
Our featured speaker is Chicago attorney Rima Kapitan, whose family has deep roots in Palestine. Her practice focuses on academic issues, representing professors in appeals of tenure denials and litigating civil rights cases in the university setting. She speaks frequently on the topic of academic freedom.
Also featured are photos of sights and cities, including Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Ramallah, Taybeh, and Jericho, and reflections from the Seraj Library Tour. For 20 years, Seraj has been building libraries and community centers that provide the books and safe spaces that Palestinian children need to imagine a better future.
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These are difficult times in the West Bank.
Join us and learn how the Seraj Library Project shines light in a dark place.
Growing Up in Palestine
A free educational and cultural program
Wednesday, May 7, 7-8:30
Oak Park Public Library
834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL
Storytelling in Palestine
Hanna Salmon recently reflected on her experiences working with Seraj as a researcher completing her dissertation.
Seraj/Palestine Executive Director Laurie Salameh writes, “Hanna's work has been a major inspiration for us launching the Art of Storytelling Conference every other year. Her insights remind us that Palestinian storytelling is not only a powerful means of resistance but a beautiful art form worthy of study and celebration. Her words capture the spirit and importance of our storytelling center in Palestine.”
Read Hanna’s reflections here. She is a PhD candidate in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin, where she studies Palestinian storytelling as an atmospheric practice and mode of artistic resistance in the West Bank and among the diaspora.
Two Year End Reports
The 2024 Annual Report from Seraj/Palestine is a fascinating read, with information about myriad programs and special events in Seraj’s areas of focus: community libraries, storytelling, and cultural arts. The report includes links to numerous videos like the one taken on a day when women from the Qalandia refugee camp visit the Storytelling Center. Although not all of these short films offer closed captions or subtitles, the impact of Seraj on faces young and old is illuminating.
The 2024 Annual Report from Seraj/US highlights our key programs, acknowledges 321 donors, and includes detailed financial reports.
A Taste of Palestine
In November, while a sell-out crowd enjoyed musical performances, olive oil tasting, delicious food and more, some young attendees found a quiet corner at A Taste of Palestine where they were able to indulge their own creativity. Seraj thanks to all participants, sponsors, and other supporters who made this event a smashing success. See more …
13 Libraries
Seraj libraries meet the unique needs and interests of the people they serve, in partnership with Palestinian communities in rural villages and refugee camps. Seraj currently has 11 community libraries, a storytelling center with library, and a cultural center with library.
Cultural Activities
Seraj’s libraries offer programs in storytelling, music, art, and special topics to preserve Palestinian culture. They also serve as safe, beautiful spaces for tutoring, lectures, yoga, and games—whatever meets the needs and dreams of the community.
Stay in Touch
Help Seraj to accomplish its mission by staying in touch and sharing the story.
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Invite Seraj to present to your group. We have a great story to tell and we are eager to share.
