The goal of our cultural programming is to recognize the diversity in our communities by providing a fun, educational experience. With less than 5% of the Salt Lake County population identifying as Asian, by including cultural events in our program calendar we’re able to increase awareness of and celebrate the diversity of our population and heritage. These programs also provide an opportunity to come together as a broader community and recognize the similarities in our shared experiences.

Focusing on three different areas in the program helped us make an exciting and engaging event:

• Cultural immersion- The majority of performances and demonstrations were by local non-profits, offering an authentic glimpse into cultural traditions such as a Lion Dance, mooncakes, and traditional calligraphy.
• STEAM elements- Since the Mid-Autumn Festival is rooted in the moon, this was an easy way to integrate STEAM concepts into the event. We included activities from our long-time partner, Clark Planetarium, such as telescopes to watch the moon rise and information about the terrain of the moon.
• General audience- Activities and performances were chosen to appeal to a wide range of children, teens, and adults, with projects accessible to people of all ages and ability levels.

The County Library’s Mid-Autumn Festival was a successful cultural program with several hundred attendees and overwhelmingly positive responses. By incorporating information and traditions from multiple Asian cultures who celebrate a Moon Festival in different ways, we were able to promote multiple opportunities for learning, sharing, and identifying the commonalities in our different backgrounds.