Welcoming Week is September 15-24 and JMRL is celebrating with a variety of programs. During this series of events, communities and groups bring together immigrants and U.S.-born residents in a spirit of unity to help raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone – including new Americans.
Help us celebrate!

Past Events

Digging For Your Roots – Northside Library
Wednesday, September 13 at 6:30-8:30pm
Susan Emert, Central Virginia Genealogical Association, guides you through genealogical research using Ancestry.com and Heritage Quest databases (available at jmrl.org). Required registration begins August 23.

Telling Our Stories – Northside Library
Thursday, September 14 at 6:30pm
Everyone has a story. Hear students working with Thomas Jefferson Adult and Career Education (TJACE) share their stories of leaving their homes and coming to the United States. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the program.

Laughing Dragon Kung Fu – Northside Library
Friday, September 15 at 4pm
Join us as Laughing Dragon Kung Fu presents a traditional Chinese dragon dance followed by a traditional southern Chinese lion dance.

Salam Neighbor Film – Greene County Library
Friday, September 15 at 7pm
Documentary film followed by discussion with Alyson Ball of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) Charlottesville.

Mulan Film (PG) – Nelson Memorial Library
Saturday, September 16 at 10:30am
For all ages.

More Than One Story – Northside Library
Saturday, September 16 at 10:30-11:30am
Join us for More Than One Story, an award-winning card game which builds bridges between people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures. Required registration begins August 26.

Get Moving with Salsa! – Northside Library
Saturday, September 16 at 1-3pm
Charlottesville Salsa Club will teach you about the music and dance of salsa, a dance form with origins in the Caribbean. Ages 14 years+. Required registration begins August 26.

Irish Dance and Music Performance – Central Library
Saturday, September 16 at 3pm
A family event with music and dance provided by the Blue Ridge Irish Music School. A short talk about their instruments will follow the performance. For all ages. No registration required.

Who is Dayani Cristal? Film – Northside Library
Monday, September 18 at 6:30pm
Who Is Dayani Cristal? tells the story of a migrant who found himself in the deadly stretch of desert known as “the corridor of death.” Screening of the film will be followed by a discussion led by representatives from Creciendo Juntos. Required registration begins August 28.

Salam Neighbor Film Discussion – Crozet Library
Monday, September 18 at 6:30pm
Watch documentary Salam Neighbor, about America filmmakers who live for a month among 75,000 Syrians in Jordan’s Za’atari refugee camp, and then discuss the issues with Alyson Ball of the International Rescue Committee (IRC). Donated items will be collected in an IRC drive for resettled families in Charlottesville.

Irish Music – Nelson Memorial Library
Tuesday, September 19 at 2pm
Come by and listen to live Irish music at this family event.

Arabic Calligraphy Class – Central Library
Wednesday, September 20 at 6pm
Learn about the art of calligraphy. Hafidha Bouzidi and Mouadh Benamar from the Islamic Society of Central Virginia will teach a class. All supplies provided. For ages 14+. Registration begins September 6.

8 Borders, 8 Days Film – Central Library
Thursday, September 21 at 7pm
A 60-minute feature documentary film; the story of a fierce, resourceful mother willing to risk her children’s lives for a better future.

Mehndi – Northside Library
Thursday, September 21 at 7pm
Mehndi is a form of body art in which decorative designs are applied on skin using a paste created from the powdered dry leaves of the henna plant. Come learn about the origins of this art form from ancient India and witness the preparation of henna paste. The program concludes with an opportunity to create lovely henna tattoos and sends you off with safety and care instructions. Ages 14+. Required registration begins August 31.

Ned Kelly Film (R) – Nelson Memorial Library
Saturday, September 23 at 10:30am

T’ai Chi Class –  Central Library
Saturday, September 23 at 11am
Join us for an introduction to this graceful form of exercise. The Charlottesville T’ai Chi Center will teach a T’ai Chi class for beginners. For ages 14+. Registration begins September 9.