¡Bienvenidos! Pt. 2

The next chapter of the book shared some great tips for programming, recommending that librarians always try their best to make sure that events are "accessible, useful, and interesting" for Spanish-speaking populations.  Here are a few of the general take-home tips I gathered:

• Location: try hosting your first events outside of the library in a community space where your target population already feels comfortable, co-hosting with a community partner to build trust in the library.
• Like the librarian in El Paso, take storytime on the road.  Consider hosting children's programming in malls, day-cares and schools.
• When giving introductions to the library, never assume people already know certain things about libraries.
• SOL-PLUS has a bilingual library scavenger hunt that can be a helpful tour activity.

In terms of Children's Programming:

• A bilingual storytime format can boost second language confidence.
• Two presenters can read the story (both holding copies of the book), switching back and forth between one presenter reading in English and the other in Spanish.
• Or you can try a mixed approach where you enrich the first language with the second language, introducing new words gradually (this works well for highly repetitive stories).
• When selecting materials for programming, make sure that the children are able to see themselves reflected in the story.  Stories form Latino cultural traditions like La Llorna or El Cucuy are always a good option.
• Think about creative ways to incorporate crafts, rhymes, puppets, plays, and food (just like any storytime!).
• A Día de los niños/Día de los libros celebration is a must (an entire blog post on the holiday to come...)

Regarding Literacy and Educational programming:

• Family Literacy programming:  Instill a love of reading within the "family and community tradition."
• In El Paso they developed the "Estoy Aprendiendo/I am Learning" program.  Hospital employees inform new parents that they can get a free baby t-shirt (which, of course, says "Estoy Aprendiendo" on it) if they go to the library sign their child up for a library card.  Librarians then use the opportunity to introduce the parents to the early literacy materials available at the library, while also asking if their other children and the parents themselves have cards.
• ESL: Partnerships are key!  Look to community colleges and universities for curriculum help.
• Cultivate a child-friendly environment.  Lack of childcare can be a major barrier to attendance
• Keep a policy of open enrollment.  Life happens!
• Incorporate the library's ESL resources in the curriculum.
• A bilingual facilitator can monitor conversational groups between native Spanish-speakers wanting to practice their English and native English-speakers wanting to improve their Spanish.
• Computer classes: Offer Spanish-language classes!  Keep up to date with Spanish-language search engines like https://espanol.yahoo.com/ and https://www.google.com/intl/es.  Email is a highly popular way for Latino patrons to connect with family in other parts of the country/world.

Services to new immigrants can fill a gap within the community:

• Host an informal program to help them navigate the community and its services.
• Offer citizenship classes.
• Connect with local immigration attorneys.
• Create a section of the library website with online resources for new immigrants like the Queens Library does.

And finally, when thinking about other events and celebrations:

• Make displays: always tie back to the library's collection and resources!
• Create a Día de los Muertos altar for deceased famous authors.
• DON'T IMPOSE!!!!
• Hispanic Heritage month is September 15th-October 15th: think about planning readings, discussions, lectures, art projects, and movie showings.
• Themed book club offerings: for example, the El Paso P.L has the Sor Juana de la Cruz Book Club, which reads Latin American women writers.

The last two chapters of the book focus on outreach, publicity, and general library access.

Highlights of the outreach/PR section included:

• Focus on finding out as much as you can about the flow of informal social networks within the community.  
• Seek out the "connectors" who spread information.  Include them in library planning etc.  Keep them informed!
• Connect with local businesses and community organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, churches, and non-profits.  Ask them to share library events and information in their newsletters and on their bulletin boards.
• Partner with teachers and school librarians.
• Make sure there is a library presence at Latino festivals and gatherings; a "friendly face" and personal contact can go a long way in building trust.
• Always keep in contact with Spanish-language media outlets.  They are often more interested in cultural programming news than other medias.
• Send press releases, ask for PSA spots, and personally invite them to come to library events. 
• Print promotional materials in Spanish and English, one language on each side rather then interspersed on a single side.  
• Make sure the translation is as close to the native-speaking level as possible!!!!!!

And in terms of bettering accessibility: 

• Hang a "Bienvendios, Se Habla Español" sign on the door outside the library if you have bilingual staff.
• Directional signs should be either be in the symbol form or bilingual.
• Forms and informational materials should be available in Spanish.  (See the SOL-PLUS website for ideas)
• Educate staff on the importance of Spanish-language services.  Offer basic "Library Spanish" trainings.
• Make sure that immigrant populations understand that there is no law keeping them from using the library.  Accept Mexican Consulate IDs in conjunction with other documentation.

Like I said in my first post on the guide, ¡Bienvenidos¡ is a must read! After reading it cover to cover (besides the Spanish Language Marketplace guide section, of course), I can definitely say I have gained a basic Spanish-language services toolbox that I will be utilizing for my entire career!