Uniondale Public Library celebrates Caribbean heritage

Caribbean heritage and Black Music History Month was celebrated at the Uniondale Public Library with music, “turtles,” and a variety of activities that drew on cultural traditions.

“We wanted to reflect the community we serve, and Uniondale is such a diverse community,” Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, assistant director of the library, said at the June 22 event.

Adlib Steel Orchestra, a steel drum group based in Freeport, performed and their lively music attracted a crowd in spite of the heat.

“The majority of us have some Caribbean descent,” Nicole Turner, junior captain of the Adlib Steel Orchestra, said about the group’s participation.

“So it’s something that keeps us close to who we are and who our ancestors are,”

Turtles have a historical significance in Caribbean culture, signifying beauty and prosperity, according to Cayman Enterprise City, so in connection with Caribbean heritage, the library had blank paper turtles to be colored and scratch-art turtles.

There were also keychains to be colored, a trivia wheel with facts about Black music history and Caribbean culture, and lawn games for patrons to play, including corn hole and ladder ball.

“I think it’s great to bring the community together,” Cynthia McManus, the secretary of the Friends of the Library, said of the event, adding, “Music brings everybody together.”

The Friends of the Library is an organization that works to support the library through fundraisers and events.

“We help to promote the library as a cultural, educational, and recreational asset to the community,” Robert Johnson, president of the Friends of the Library, said.

They also have a Junior Friends organization, whose young participants receive scholarships, mentorship, and volunteer opportunities through the library and community.

Christina Anderson, 12, is a member of the Junior Friends, and he volunteering at the event, where he helped kids with crafts and trivia. He has been a part of the Junior Friends for almost 2 years, and he enjoys volunteering at the library.

“I just wanted to be more active in the community,” he said. 

This year marks the third year the Uniondale Library has run this event in celebration of the community’s heritage.

Johnson said the library staff works hard to support the community and give back.

“These individuals are achievers, and that’s why we’re able to have things like this,” he said.

There are several other programs throughout the year aiming to support and give back to the community. To learn more about what the library has to offer, visit UniondaleLibrary.org.