Welcome to the HSTAT Library Newsletter! This is the place to learn about library news, find recommendations for what to read next, and stay up to date on current issues in information literacy. Please contact me if you have questions!
Ms. Rathgeb, Librarian x3504 arathgeb@schools.nyc.gov
During Arab American Heritage Month, the HSTAT Library celebrates and promotes the contributions of notable Arab Americans to the artistic, cultural, and intellectual life of the US. Come to the library to see our book displays. Read below for resources and events relating to Arab American Heritage Month.
Arab American Heritage Month event:
NYPL - A Celebration of Arab American Poetry
The New York Public Library is hosting a free poetry reading in honor of Arab American Heritage month, featuring readings by poets Maha Hashwi, Ghinwa Jawhari, Lawrence Joseph, and Kamelya Omayma Youssef.
When and where:
Tuesday, April 7 6 - 7:30 pm
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library Event Center
455 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY
Featured Books for Arab American Heritage Month
As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh
This novel is the story of Salama, a Syrian college student navigating political revolution, love, and family commitments. In beautifully written prose, Katouh describes her struggles as well as times when she finds peace.
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal
In this fantasy novel, teen huntress Zafira must disguise herself as a man to seek a lost artifact that could return magic to her cursed world.
One Day Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This by Oman El Akkad
in this work of nonfiction, El Akkad, a Egyptian- Canadian journalist, critiques state violence and mass apathy.
What to Read Next? (poetry edition)
April is National Poetry Month!
Come browse the varied and diverse poetry section in the HSTAT Library, where you will find the featured books below and more.
A nationally best-selling volume of wise, powerful poetry from the first Native American Poet Laureate of the United States.
In this stunning collection, Joy Harjo finds blessings in the abundance of her homeland and confronts the site where the Mvskoke people, including her own ancestors, were forcibly displaced.
Members of the Black Student Union made great use of the library as a work and event space. In the morning, the library was buzzing with students putting final touches on their projects. In the afternoon, they invited classes to hear their presentations about the impact of colonization around the world. The library was brimming with curosity, collaboration, and learning. My favorite kind of library day! Great work, everyone!
For the second year in a row, the HSTAT Library welcomed the wonderful people from AniTomoCon for the AniTomo HIgh School TourPlus Ultra Anime Think Tank! Ms. Cen and Mr. Shapiro's Anime Club met in the library for Anime trivia, discussion, brainstorming/planning for the summer Anime convention, games, viewing, and snacks. Thank you Ms. Cen, Mr. Shapiro, and the Anime Club for being enthusiastic and welcoming partiipants!
LIBRARY NEWS
In 2025, the HSTAT Library was awarded the Laura Bush Foundation for America's Libraries grant. The goal of this grant is to expand, diversify, and update school libraries. It was an honor to receive ths grant! In late February, we received a large collection of brand new books. Come see!
A Valentine's display of brand new romance books!