Honoring Stories and Strength: Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month

Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month: Recognizing the journeys, voices, and cultures that shape our shared story

Each June, Immigrant Heritage Month invites us to pause and honor the extraordinary contributions immigrants have made—and continue to make—to the rich tapestry of American life. At the Coal Valley Public Library, we believe stories are the heartbeat of a community. Immigrant Heritage Month is a time to uplift those stories: of courage and culture, of hope and homecoming.

A Nation of Journeys

The United States has long been described as a nation of immigrants. Whether arriving yesterday or generations ago, immigrants have brought with them languages, traditions, food, art, literature, and new perspectives. Their stories are not just about arrival, but about resilience, transformation, and shaping the future.

Immigrant Heritage Month is more than a celebration—it's an opportunity to reflect on the journeys that define our nation. It's a time to learn from our neighbors, explore the richness of global cultures, and deepen our appreciation for the values of inclusivity and diversity.

The Power of Storytelling

Public libraries have always played a vital role in preserving and sharing immigrant stories. From bilingual storytimes to cultural exhibits and diverse book collections, libraries provide a space where all voices are welcomed and valued.

This month, we invite you to explore stories written by immigrant authors, centered on immigrant experiences, or rooted in global traditions. Reading is one of the simplest ways to foster empathy and understanding.

Here are just a few recommended titles for different age groups:

For Kids:

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

Dreamers by Yuyi Morales

A beautifully illustrated picture book that tells the author’s own immigration story—from hardship to hope—with lyrical prose and vibrant art.

My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits

My Name Is Yoon by Helen Recorvits

This tender story follows a young Korean girl navigating a new country, language, and school, reminding readers of the deep connection between identity and belonging.

For Teens:

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

We Are Not From Here by Jenny Torres Sanchez

Three teens make the harrowing journey from Guatemala to the United States, facing danger, heartbreak, and impossible choices along the way.

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi

This funny and honest memoir explores growing up undocumented in America while navigating the universal trials of adolescence.

For Adults:

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

A sweeping family saga following four generations of a Korean family in Japan, exploring themes of identity, discrimination, and endurance.

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

The Best We Could Do by Thi Bui

This graphic memoir explores the lasting impact of war and immigration on a family’s legacy and the author’s own sense of place.

Celebrate With Us

Throughout June, visit the Robert R. Jones Public Library to explore themed book displays, share your own family stories on our community board, and participate in programs that honor global heritage. Whether your roots trace back to another country or your ancestors arrived centuries ago, we all share in the beautiful mosaic that is America.

This Immigrant Heritage Month, let us honor the past, celebrate the present, and commit to building a future where every story has a place on the shelf.