A Window to the World

Do our young children lack exposure to world culture? Not so at the Burbank Library, where Friends of the Library and the Burbank Armenian National Committee Bring World Culture to the World of Children.

Burbank, CA, Saturday, January 28 – For many busy parents, introducing their young children to world cultures can be a challenge. If you think easily exposing your child to music, customs and traditions from around the world is nearly impossible, you should become aware of the “Window to the World” cultural series at the Burbank Public Library. The program is designed to promote cultural awareness and is funded by the Friends of the Library. With help from the Armenian National Committee of Burbank (ANC), the series had a successful kick off at its first event celebrating Armenian culture on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at the Central Library. More than 150 parents and children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds flooded the standing room only library auditorium.

Nancy Tidwell and Isabelle Kotikian opened the ceremony with a word of welcome. The audience was then served an array of centuries-old traditional Armenian stories by a children’s author and story-teller Ms. Alidz Agbabian (www.Alidz.com). With imaginative props such as Armenian lavash bread, rhythmical lyrics and an engaging dialogue with the audience, Alidz took everyone to another world and another time. Armenian stories about the uniting power of bread and morning dew created by “Sun Boy” captivated the hearts and minds of children of all ages.

The story-telling was followed by beautiful traditional Armenian dance performed by the young students of the local Ara & Lilia Dance Studio (818-342-0272). In colorful traditional costumes, boys and girls brought a flavor of the grace and melody of traditional Armenian dance to the wide-eyed audience.

At end of the event, Paul Krekorian, the president of the Burbank Board of Education and a long time friend of the Burbank ANC, thanked the library for celebrating the diversity of Burbank. He pointed out the benefits of giving the young children of Burbank the opportunity to learn about world cultures and understand the importance of art in daily life. “The students of Burbank speak over sixty different languages at home," Krekorian said. "Giving these children the opportunity to experience art and culture like we've seen here today creates a wonderful bridge that brings them together.”

Guests enjoyed refreshments, including traditional Armenian butter cookies, provided by the Burbank ANC. Parents, children and library staff exchanged their positive impressions of the event. Pictures from the event can be seen at Burbank ANC’s official website: www.ANCBurbank.org.

Sharon Cohen, Library Services Director and representatives of local media were also present. Dr. Arbi Ohanian, Chair of the Burbank ANC and other Burbank ANC volunteers congratulated Library staff on a successful event. Similar to past joint events, such as the donation of 1,200 Armenian books for the Burbank Library, the success of the “Window to the World” speaks to the importance of a continued partnership between the Burbank Public Library and the Burbank ANC.

For more information visit www.ANCBurbank.org or call (818) 562-1918.