The Cranston Public Library’s Central Branch held its first ever Cambodian culture event Saturday, April 7 to commence National Library Week from April 7 to April 14. More than 60 people were in attendance.

The event included a Buddhist blessing, authentic food, and the unveiling of a bilingual book collection. In recent years, the Cambodian population in Rhode Island has expanded vastly throughout the state. In partnership with the Cambodian Society of Rhode Island, the Cranston Public Library has chosen to bring awareness to this culture.

“The Cranston Public Library is honored to partner with the Center for Southeast Asians to celebrate Cambodian culture here in Rhode Island,” said library Director Ed Garcia.

The library has joined forces with partners at the Center for Southeast Asians (CSEA) to bring the community a beautiful experience, complete with visitors from the Wat Thormikaram and Dhammaghosanaram monasteries, as well as the Buddhist Center of New England.

“The Center for Southeast Asians has partnered with Cranston’s Central Library to recognize and share our rich and wonderful cultures through new bilingual books,” said Channavy Chhay, Executive Director of the Center for Southeast Asians. “We invited and welcomed all in the community to witness a Buddhist blessing ceremony and to utilize the library’s many wonderful services.”

The event included a ceremonial blessing, refreshments, and the unveiling of the library’s newest bilingual book collection.

The Cranston Public Library has served as a reference and administration center since 1983. It offers the community a newly-renovated children’s room, a teen meeting room, public computers for all ages, and an extensive and continuously growing list of programs and instructional technology classes.