Engaging Islamic Communities Through Special Collections
A Session by Shahadah Abdul-Rashid (Community Initiatives Specialist, Free Library of Philadelphia)
About this Session
Philadelphia is home to one of the largest communities of Muslims (over 300,000) on the east coast. The Free Librarys Rare Book Department is engaging the underserved Islamic community by developing opportunities for exploration, study, and a year-long exhibition starting in 2020. The collection of over 1,000 Islamic manuscripts include handwritten copies of Islamic Qurans, art and documents from the 700s, close to the time of their most holy prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Free Library, in partnership with local Islamic leaders, is engaging with the Islamic community and connecting them to these special gems.