World in a Box Day 2023
World in a Box Day returned to the Central Library in 2023, welcoming nearly 1,000 children and families for a day of global discovery. Visitors traveled through 20 country booths, exploring cultures from Israel to Ireland, Ukraine to Japan, and China to Germany. Families even made the trip from as far away as Oklahoma City to take part in the celebration.
Each child received a passport, with stamps marking their journey from country to country. But the passport was just the beginning. At each booth, kids engaged directly with culture through hands-on activities. They tried on traditional clothing, took apart and reassembled nesting dolls, built castle replicas, practiced calligraphy, received henna designs, and packed miniature “suitcases” with treats like pocky sticks and sesame candy.
Throughout the day, visitors also enjoyed dance and musical performances, creating an atmosphere that was both festive and immersive. Beyond the country booths, families were invited to explore the library’s Maker Space, discovering resources that go far beyond the traditional image of a library. Children posed in front of a green screen to appear alongside some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes, and experimented with 3D printers to design their own versions of landmarks like the Taj Mahal.
World in a Box Day showcased the power of experiential learning and curiosity-driven exploration. By bringing global cultures together under one roof, the event allowed children to touch, see, and interact with the wider world in ways that spark imagination and understanding.
Tulsa Global Alliance extends special thanks to Charles and Lynn Schusterman Family Philanthropies for helping make this joyful celebration of global learning possible for area children and families in 2023.
