For the next 14 weeks, the Enquirer will feature a family learning about its heritage in conjunction with the Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County's Read Around the World summer reading program.

        The Petkus family celebrates its Lithuanian heritage daily, and a big part of the celebration is traditional dance.

        They are all members of the Dayton-based Vejelia Folk Dancers, who will perform at 7:30 tonight at the

        Main Library downtown for the Summer Book Club's Preview Night.

        Michael grew up in a Lithuanian community in Dayton. Norma has been performing with Vejelia since she married Michael almost 20 years ago. The family lives in Dayton and performs often in Cincinnati.

        “Robert and Erin joined the Vejelia Dancers as soon as they were tall enough,” says Norma. “They participate in both their Lithuanian culture and their Scottish heritage.”

        The Petkuses learn more about their heritage at the North Central branch of the library in Pleasant Run, where Norma is a young-adult and reference librarian. Everyone in the family is a reader. Michael enjoys Westerns and thrillers. Robert, 17, likes computer books, and Erin, 14, chooses fiction. She and mom Norma also listen to books on tape.

        Library-recommended books to learn more about Lithuania:

        • For children, Lithuania (Lerner Publications, 1992); Lithuania: the Nation That Would Be Free by Stephen Chicoine and Brent Ashabranner (Cobblehill, 1995)

        • For adults, Art of Lithuanian Cooking by Maria Gieysztor deGorgey (Hippocrene Books, 1998); Lithuanians in the USA: Aspects of Ethnic Identity by David Fainhauz (Lithuanian Library Press, 1991)

        Web sites to explore:

        • Lithuanian Roots

        • Global Lithuanian Net

        From June 1 to Aug. 15, the main library and all branches spotlight different nationalities from around the globe with cultural programs and reading-related activities. The program encourages the community to learn more about other cultures in a spirit of education and understanding. The families featured in these profiles have attended their local branches regularly to learn about their heritage.

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