Serving All Patrons
By Aída Bardales -- Críticas, 7/15/2006
The controversy at Gwinnet County Library over the attempt to kill the budget for Spanish-language books is not the only one of its kind. Many of you probably recall the uproar at the Denver Public Library last year when the public protested over the library’s Hispanic outreach efforts and the acquisition of “Spanish-language porn” using tax dollars. Rep. David Schultheis (R-Colorado Springs) tried to take that one step-further by attempting to persuade the state legislature to prevent public libraries from purchasing any materials in languages other than English.
At the American Library Association (ALA) annual conference last month—the first one I’ve attended—the debate over immigration reform was on everyone’s lips. Every conversation, every workshop led to the matter, and the general view was the same: librarians are here to provide a service to everyone, not just U.S. citizens. At one seminar, Queens Borough Public Library special services librarian Loida García-Febo earned energetic applause when she urged librarians to “take a political stand” when faced with anti-immigrant policies. I was inspired and moved by how many librarians I met that are committed to implementing and protecting services to all immigrants—regardless of legal status.
In that spirit, we’ve tapped the creative energy of the field to discover how people are preparing for Hispanic Heritage Month. Freelance journalist and Library Journal contributor Raya Kuzyk spoke to librarians serving large Hispanic communities to gather helpful ideas and suggestions on how to prepare for a month of celebrations. We also provide several resource lists for additional inspiration. Librarians, educators, and booksellers alike will find it very useful.
At ALA and at BookExpo America in May, many of you told us you need more educational children’s books. Among our many reviews in this issue you will find reviews of several ideal back-to-school children’s books—and more are coming next month.
Also at ALA, I had the opportunity to sit down and speak to librarians serving Spanish-speaking communities around the country. They gave me a better sense and understanding of some of the challenges they face, the solutions they have reached, and the rewards reaped in their efforts to reach out to Hispanics. I want to hear from you regarding these issues. How is your community being affected by the ongoing debates? What are you doing to encourage immigrant patrons to use your library?
I invite you to share with me—and all our readers—your insights and experiences on these and other matters that affect the community we serve.
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