LATI Project Brochure

MY GOAL

Is to provide a location in the library with information written in Spanish for Spanish speaking patrons.

A designated area would become a familiar place for Spanish speakers to go directly to, and for library staff to have as an immediate point of reference. A table with information written in Spanish would save patrons and library staff considerable time as well as provide an effective and efficient service.

Fliers, brochures, booklets, and bilingual newspapers, would inform patrons of library, community, state, and federal programs and services.

These materials would be produced by library staff, community groups and government agencies. Materials would include such things as tax information and US Dept. of Education brochures on FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid).

This service will help Spanish speakers


feel welcome and direct them to agencies that could meet their social, economic, educational, legal, and health needs.


SUMMARY-- HOW IT ALL BEGAN

When Spanish speaking patrons asked for information about library programs and services, I found myself rushing from one end of the library to another gathering information I had translated. I found this hide-and-seek activity embarrassing and a waste of time. I also realized these patrons were unaware of the availability of these materials. I concluded the library was in desperate need of a spot designated for information written in Spanish.
I decided to expand on what we offered by including information from community groups and government agencies.
I based this decision on questions such as, “Where can I go to enroll in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class?”
“I don’t have dental insurance and need dental care, who can I contact?”
I performed research, organized lists, communicated my intentions, and requested information written in Spanish.



STEPS TAKEN TO ACCOMPLISH GOAL


I spoke with my supervisor and co-workers about the idea of having a table with information written in Spanish.

I used the Delaware Hispanic Yellow Pages, El Tiempo Hispano (local bilingual newspaper), the New Castle County website, Library Health Specialist, Susan LaValley, and my own personal list of sources to create a list of agencies to contact.

I formed two lists. One of agencies and one of patron needs. I divided the agency list under different jurisdictions such as community, federal and so on. I divided the needs list into health, legal and so on. I then combined the two to assure agencies and needs corresponded.

I emailed some groups and phoned others, stated my intentions, and requested 50 to 100 copies of what they had. Not all had information written in Spanish, such as the Christiana School District.




As more agencies produce information written in Spanish, I will add these to our table. I will also contact sources to replenish materials when they run low.

Display: I obtained a card size table with a pegboard and placed them by the entrance of the children’s room, where the display can be easily seen when patrons enter the library. I created a colorful, eye-catching, big letter sign and placed it across the top of the pegboard. INFORMATE, (get informed) it reads.

Equipment used: Clear multi-sided, multi-tiered, plastic holders, and a floor spinner. I did not need to purchase materials.

I filled the plastic holders with materials mailed to the library. I took photos of the display and of our Spanish language materials.


RESOURCES

Library Manager, Susan Menson, Children’s Librarian, Tanya Moye, Library Specialist, Ross Fuller, Library Health Specialist, Susan LaValley.


Agencies include: DE Coalition for Literacy, Inc., New Castle Head Start, Inc.,
Community Legal Aid Society, American
Cancer Society, National Institute of Aging, Wilmington Dept. of Police, IRS, US Dept. of Education, Christiana School District, Christiana EVAN START Family Literacy, El Tiempo Hispano (bilingual newspaper), The Latin American Community Center, local health groups such as DE Breast Cancer Coalition, Inc., and Westside Health Clinic.


WHAT I LEARNED

I was reminded patience is a virtue. Although I received responses from the majority of the groups I contacted, I haven’t heard from others. I re-learned I can be creative, persistent, organized, and I can easily picture what I need and what I want. I also found it rewarding to be able to materialize my ideas.

PROJECT SCORE

I give myself a 9.9. I’m please with the service I have created and hope patrons
find it educating and empowering.

Adriana Camacho-Church
Bear Library
New Castle County http://www.nccdelib.org/
March 2007

INFORMATE
Information written in Spanish