Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
The Italian tricolors were proudly flown at nine Chicago-area libraries throughout the month of October thanks to the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans. The initiative was spearheaded by Cav. Uff. Lyn Scolaro, JCCIA third vice president and education committee chair.
Italian books, decorations, photos, toys and other realia were among the items on display at the public libraries in Addison, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Elk Grove Village, Elmwood Park, Melrose Park and Wood Dale as well as the libraries at Washington Irving School in Oak Park and Resurrection College Prep High School in Chicago.
The following individuals and organizations donated funds toward the project: Elk Grove Village Italian Sister Cities, Joseph’s Finest Meats, Littly Italy Fest West, Onesti Entertainment, Pete DiCianni, Society of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, Lyn Scolaro, and Frank DiPaolo and Madia Crudele.
“The goal of the initiative was to raise awareness of our heritage and culture, and I think we were very successful in that regard,” Scolaro says. “We’re hoping to expand our reach next year, and we invite the community to lend their financial support to our efforts.”
To sponsor a library display in 2022, contact Scolaro at vp3@jccia.com.
