This November, the Danbury Library proudly observes National Native American Heritage Month, honoring the rich cultures, traditions, languages, and stories of Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and affiliated Island communities.

Patrons are invited to explore and celebrate Indigenous voices through special collections of books, films, music, and television, available on Kanopy, Hoopla, and Libby—all free with a Danbury Library card.

On November 10 at 5 p.m., children can learn about the traditional Three Sisters crops—corn, beans, and squash—and their significance in Native American heritage while creating Beaded Harvest Crafts: Corn and Pumpkins in the Story Corner.

On November 24 at 6 p.m., the Institute for American Indian Studies will present The Sweet Tradition of Maple Sugaring in the Farioly Program Room, sharing stories, history, and traditional methods of making maple syrup and sugar with teens and their families.

All programs are free of charge and open to the public. Visit danburylibrary.org/NAHM to learn more and register.

The library acknowledges that its building stands on the ancestral lands of the Pequonnock, Schaghticoke, Paugussett, and Wappinger Peoples. The Connecticut Department of Education recognizes five Eastern Woodland Tribes: Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, Golden Hill Paugussett Tribal Nation, Mashantucket (Western) Pequot Tribal Nation, Mohegan Tribe, and the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation—whose representatives contribute to the state’s K–12 curriculum to ensure students receive an accurate and culturally competent understanding of Native American history and life.

To further support learning, the library has compiled online educational resources for teachers, students, and researchers. Visitors can explore the National Museum of the American Indian: NK360,° the Native Northeast Research Collaborative, the Institute for American Indian Studies, and the Mashantucket Pequot Museum via links on the library’s website. Educators will find valuable lesson plans, primary sources, and webinars from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.

As an essential community resource, the Danbury Library remains committed to being a welcoming, inclusive space that celebrates diversity and inspires learning through words, ideas, and shared understanding.