The Arlington Public Library System will sponsor its first Multicultural Community Forum at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. The forum will occur in the Community Room of the George W. Hawkes Central Library at 101 E. Abram St. in downtown Arlington.

The focus will be on "Library Services in a Multicultural Environment." Organizers are extending special invitations to members of Arlington’s multicultural community and organizations. The forum will include a special presentation on past, current and planned library programs and services. Public comment will be gathered about existing programs and services and suggestions for new ones.

Participants are also invited to serve on a Library and Patron Multicultural Planning Team being created to further explore diverse library service opportunities.

"The Arlington Public Library System is committed to expanding and improving the services and programs it offers to its culturally rich community," said Forum Coordinator Christopher Brown who worked with the newly formed Multicultural Initiatives Team to plan and organize the forum. "Arlington has a growing population base that is becoming more diverse everyday."

For example, in the past 10 years, Arlington’s Hispanic population grew 160 percent and the Asian population grew 101.5 percent, according to U.S. Census 2000 information. The Arlington Public Library System currently has more than 16,000 foreign language materials, which includes books and videos.

While parents attend the Sept. 19 Community Forum, the Central Library’s Children’s Services Department will offer free reading and crafts programs for children. Call 817-459-6914 or 817-459-6903 to register your child’s attendance before Sept. 16.