For 45 years, Queens Public Library’s New Americans Program (NAP) has proudly celebrated our borough’s outstanding diversity, while also supporting newcomers as they adjust to life in the United States.
Join us on Saturday, November 19 as we honor NAP’s momentous anniversary with these cultural and educational events at libraries across the borough of Queens—and be sure to check out highlights from NAP’s extensive services further below.
*Please note: All events are taking place on Saturday, November 19, unless noted otherwise.
New Americans Program Anniversary Celebration Events
Jackson Heights (35-51 81 Street)
11am
Citizenship Mock Interview (in English only)
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Test with an one-on-one mock citizenship interview, with an experienced interviewer, who will act as an immigration officer and ask questions from the test. The practice interview will cover an English-speaking test using the N-400 immigration form, as well as a reading test, writing test, and civics test.
Steinway (21-45 31 Street)
11am
Citizenship Presentation (in English only)
Join us for a presentation by the Director of the ANSOB Center for Refugees and Immigrants, Iman Fawzy, to learn about naturalization, eligibility requirements, filing, and interview tips for applying for citizenship. There will be a Q&A after the presentation.
2pm
Make Your Own Thanksgiving Bowl with Sol Aramendi (in English & Español)
Join us to create a ceramic bowl shaped like a Thanksgiving turkey using a mold. We will paint it with acrylics using fall colors. Materials are included. At the end of this program, we will share and reflect on what we are thankful for. The whole family is welcome!
Elmhurst (86-07 Broadway)
2pm
Filipino-American Ancestor Dances and Kulintang Music (in English only)
Filipino Americans have a long history in Queens. Join us for a program about reclaiming this culture’s ancestral heritage and honoring the longstanding legends, traditions, and communities. Local dance theater, Kinding Sindaw will present ritual and court dances, silat, and ensemble music to unfold stories that will inspire the audience to tell their own narratives. Kinding Sindaw is an NYC-based nonprofit dance theater company composed of Indigenous tradition-bearers, Filipino American artists, and educators from all backgrounds, founded in 1992.
Langston Hughes (100-01 Northern Boulevard)
2pm
Dominican Music: Perico Ripiao with Berto Reyes and His Band (in English and Español)
Berto Reyes and his band will perform the traditional Dominican music known as "perico ripiao" on the güira, drum, and accordion. This irresistibly fun and rhythmic program will be held in Spanish.
Flushing (41-17 Main Street)
1pm
Citizenship Presentation (in English only)
Join us for a presentation by Immigrant Justice Corps Senior Paralegal, Geovanni Gutierrez Vivar to learn about naturalization, eligibility requirements, filing, and interview tips in applying for citizenship. There will be a Q&A session at the end.
2pm
The Beauty of Kunqu for New Americans (in English & 中文)
The Kunqu Society will present "The Beauty of Kunqu,” featuring two classical Kunqu plays. They will also sing popular Kunqu arias, accompanied by a live orchestra.
Central Library (89-11 Merrick Boulevard)
12-4pm
Immigrant Resource Fair (in English only)
You’re invited to QPL’s Immigrant Resource Fair, where trusted community-based organizations and government agencies come together to provide important and accurate information for immigrants adjusting to life in the U.S.
2pm
A Celebration of Bangladeshi Heritage in Queens (in English and বাংলা)
Join us for a celebration of Bangladeshi Americans contributing their rich cultural heritage to American culture, effectively enriching our communities for a better future. This show will highlight contributions including how Bangladeshi community members are engaged in almost every profession, from academia to business, technology, policy-making, and beyond. Live performances will feature poetry, music, and dance. This program is presented by the Center for Bangla Creative, Inc.
3pm
Thanksgiving Crafts with Shahnaz Begum (in English and বাংলা)
Make a fun paper turkey ornament with artist Shahnaz Begum that you can use to decorate your house for Thanksgiving. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. This program is in English and Bengali.
Bayside (214-20 Northern Boulevard)
2:30pm
Thanksgiving Art & Craft with Soh Young Lee-Segredo (in English and 한국인)
Autumn is here, Thanksgiving is near, and there is much to be thankful for. Join us for a fun craft to celebrate the season. We'll learn how to recycle brown bags and magazines to create placemats and door hangers. All ages are welcome and you may bring a few pages of colorful magazines to use.
Rego Park (91-41 63 Drive)
2pm
Citizenship Mock Interview (in English only)
Prepare for the U.S. Citizenship and Naturalization Test with an one-on-one mock citizenship interview, with an experienced interviewer, who will act as an immigration officer and ask questions from the test. The practice interview will cover an English-speaking test using the N-400 immigration form, as well as a reading test, writing test, and civics test.
Richmond Hill (118-14 Hillside Avenue)
2pm
Henna Hand Painting with Anowara Ahmed (in English & বাংলা)
Get a unique design at this henna hand painting event with Anowara Ahmed! Originally from Bangladesh, she has years of experience making beautiful henna design. Made from a powder derived from the leaf of the henna plant, henna is mixed with lemon juice and lavender or tea tree oil. Supplies are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that Queens Public Library is not responsible for any adverse reaction or illness as a result of the use of henna.
Cambria Heights (218-13 Linden Boulevard)
3pm
Prince Guetjens Performs Haitian Music (in English and Kreyòl ayisyen)
Haitian musician Prince Guetjens performs Haitian vodou music ("Yon Mapou," "Tout Kote Nou Pase"), Troubadour music ("Rejete," "Pè Bawon"), songs about segregation ("Strange Fruit"), and more. Guetjens' work is inspired by the vodou music from Haitian clubs with "Jazz des Jeunes” from the mid-1940s, after the Rejete campaign of persecution against Haitian culture and tradition organized by the Catholic Church and the local bourgeoisie. The performer's electrifying music is grounded in this history, and creates a link between Haitian and Western cultures. This program is sponsored by the Friends of Cambria Heights Library through funding made possible by former Council Member Daneek I. Miller.
Arverne (312 Beach 54 Street)
Friday, December 2, 2pm
*(Please note: this program is not taking place on November 19)
A Salute to Yiddish Theater Star Molly Picon with Diane Cypkin (in English only)
Molly Picon (1898-1992) was the First Lady of the Yiddish Stage during its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. In this hour-long presentation—part cabaret, part classroom—Diane Cypkin will trace the highlights of Picon’s lengthy career from the Yiddish stage to English-language films through songs popularized by her work. Dr. Cypkin is a Professor Emeritus in the Media, Communications, and Visual Arts Department of Dyson College of Arts & Sciences at Pace University. An expert on the Yiddish stage, Dr. Cypkin has curated celebrated exhibits at Lincoln Center and the Museum of the City of New York, where she was also a Yiddish Theatre Consultant. Pianist Lena Panfilova, a graduate of the Moscow Conservatory, will join her live performance.
New Americans Program Highlighted Services and Resources
Browse NAP’s numerous offerings on our website, and learn more about some of our trusted services below, including citizenship preparation, coping skills and technology support, and cultural programming.
Citizenship Preparation
New Yorkers who want to become U.S. citizens are invited to QPL for free citizenship programs and workshops. We offer Formal Citizenship Classes at several library locations. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and all materials are provided free of charge. Participants are required to attend the entire 10-week series and will have access to citizenship application assistance by appointment.
Free Citizenship Assistance Clinics are also available throughout the year in partnership with several legal service providers. Eligible Legal Permanent Residents can receive free assistance with completing application process or filling out forms. For more information on Citizenship Preparation workshops, please call 718-990-0894 or email napref@queenslibrary.org.
Coping Skills Programs And Computer Instruction
Find free lectures and workshops to help immigrants adjust to life in their new country. Professionals such as lawyers, teachers, and counselors present programs about immigration law, citizenship, tenants’ rights, career planning, starting a business, parenting and health. Programs are presented in English and the major international languages of Queens, including Bengali, Spanish, and Chinese.
Computer instruction in Chinese, Bengali, and Spanish is regularly offered at several community libraries. Visit here to learn more.
Cultural Arts Programs
QPL proudly celebrates the arts and literature of the many ethnic groups in Queens’ communities. Join us for programs, including music, dance, and drama performances, bilingual poetry readings, storytelling and crafts. Major festivals that we celebrate include Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Lunar New Year. Visit here to learn more.
