October is Filipino American History Month (FAHM). Come celebrate with me at the Newark Free Library.

Simple reed and rice paper parols with ‘tails’

To honor the culture of the Philippine Islands, Newark Free Library is hosting a Parol Making Workshop. Participants will assemble and decorate a festive paper lantern or Parol. These ornamental star-shaped lanterns are symbols of Filipino yuletide tradition. 

I will share poetry, we’ll listen to some Filipino folk music, and you can also take a look at the ancient script of the Philippines–Baybayin. Participants can practice drawing letters in Baybayin. We provide all materials and tools to make and decorate your parol at this workshop. Light refreshments will be served. 

This workshop is free and open to everyone. “Letters and Lanterns” is part of the ALA Talk Story program, funded by the Asian/Pacific Library Association and the American Indian Library Association.  Please call (302) 731-7550 to register.

Baybayin: ancient script of pre-colonial Philippines