The Indianapolis Public Library believes that Indianapolis flourishes thanks to the strength and dynamism brought by immigrants, refugees, and diverse groups within the community. Through its Meet Your Neighbor programming series, The Library is introducing the public to the diverse groups that call Indy home.

The Library's immigrant outreach program specialist Sakura Fuqua designed the Meet Your Neighbor programming series. Throughout the year, The Library has Meet Your Neighbor programs online and in person at various Library branch locations. These programs allow Library patrons to learn about diverse communities from programming partners such as Kristopher George with Exodus Refugee Immigration and Ally Mulumba, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Patchwork Indy.

"The goal of this program is to inform people and eliminate any misconceptions regarding immigrants and refugees," Fuqua said.

For instance, The Burmese American Community Institute reported that Indiana has one of the largest communities of Burmese refugees and immigrants. In 2020, about 24,000 Burmese people lived on Indianapolis' Southside.

Also, when the Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghanis escaped to the Indiana National Guard's Camp Atterbury, located in Edinburgh. With Indianapolis being less than an hour away, it's not surprising many Afghanis moved to the Hoosier capital. Fuqua said pockets of Afghani communities can be found in Southern Indianapolis.

Haitians make up another group. After the 2010 earthquake, many Haitians arrived in Indianapolis and now live on Indianapolis' East and West sides.

Fuqua said The Library plans on adding more programs to the series and repeating some of the programs that have been successful. During the programs, Anthem will sponsor light snacks for attendees.

"We try to make the events accommodating," Fuqua said. "Some events are at The Library. Others are virtual."

Stay up to date with the Meet Your Neighbor schedule at indypl.org/calendar.

Upcoming sessions include:

• Meet Your Neighbor: Refugee 101, from 11:30 to 1 p.m., June 28, at the Glendale Branch, 3660 E 62nd Street
• Meet Your Neighbor: Refugee 101, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., Aug. 17, at the Eagle Branch, 3905 Moller Road