We Build Experiences
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Libraries across the country are working in a variety of ways to improve the full spectrum of library and information services for the approximately 58.6 million Spanish-speaking and Latino people in the US and build a diverse and inclusive profession.
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/ Diversity & Cultural Awareness
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“Helping to draw attention to the rich legacy of Hispanic/Latinos across America.”-Juan R. Falcon, President/CEO
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Exploring creative depths |
A lasting journey |
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The Hispanic-American Library will expand community-based library services to the residents of Springfield with the collections and services, which will focus on, but not be limited to, the works, achievements and accomplishments of Latin Americans on a local, regional, statewide, national and international level.
Immigrants have continued to flow into the United States in rising numbers over the past decade, reaching a current population of more than 40 million, according to the latest data analysis by the Pew Hispanic Center. Of that total, the number of undocumented immigrants has stabilized in the past few years at just over 11 million. Nearly 40% of all foreign-born residents in the United States come from Mexico, Central America, and Cuba. The Hispanic-American Library is committed to increasing and enhancing literacy through diverse and cultural programs. The library wants to be the premier location for neighborhood children and families to come and read a book or access information. The Hispanic-American Library is embarking on a journey to locate and grow roots in the community. The goals is to locate a building that would be appropriate to create a new home for the Hispanic-American Library and its resources. |
Juan Tornoe, a consultant for a marketing agency in Austin, Texas, says indigenous immigrants from his native country of Guatemala might speak any of 21 different dialects, not counting Spanish. He urges clients to be sensitive about how they approach the different segments of the community to establish relationships with all Latinos, not just Spanish speakers. This is why the Hispanic-American Library has taken a charge to be culturally sensitive to the community it serves.
As the library roles out programs, we also look at the demographics of the population we are serving. Age is a primary factor governing English-language proficiency among Latinos living in America. In a Pew study of US residents born in Mexico who speak a language other than English at home, only 23% of adults say they speak English “very well” compared with 65% of children between ages 5–18. Nearly two out of every five US residents born in Mexico and Central America have less than a 9th-grade education, according to the Pew Hispanic Center. “These folks are transplanted from a completely different environment,” he says. “They feel disenfranchised. They don’t know whether to trust what they hear. They may see a library flier and think ‘Who are you?’ But if someone they know and trust talks to them, that’s different.” |
Language and literacy struggles can also contribute toward a preference for word-of-mouth over written communication. The Hispanic-America Library will address all possibilities to be client-centered.
