The East Arlington Branch Library in partnership with East Arlington Renewal is getting ready for the third annual Courtyard Celebration. The celebration will occur at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at the East Branch Library, which is located at 1624 New York Ave.

This year’s theme is "Recognizing Our Cultural Diversity" with performances by the Vietnamese Dragon Dance Group, the Aztlan Academy of Texas Dance Group and the Al-Hedayah Academy Children’s Choir. The event is free and open to the public. More than 150 participants are expected.

"Courtyard Celebrations at the East Branch Library bring people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds in east Arlington together," said lead organizer Chris Brown. "We have an opportunity to celebrate and learn more about our community and our neighbors."

Writer and poet Gloria Velasquez will join the celebration, offering middle and high schools students insight into the world of story writing and publishing. Velasquez is the creator of the Roosevelt High School Series.