ABOUT THE LIBRARY
IMCPL Reaches Out to Diverse Populations With New and Expanded Services
July 14, 2006
As an institution that embraces a philosophy of serving all citizens, the Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library offers services, programs and materials to enrich the lives of those from all cultural backgrounds.
Reflecting the various language needs of Marion County residents, the Library's collection has materials in 21 languages, including bilingual and instruction books for learning English. Spanish-language materials comprise a majority of the Library's foreign language collections. However, newer materials have been added in such languages as Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Vietnamese, Russian and Serbo-Croatian.
Emphasis is being placed on addressing the lifelong learning needs of the local Hispanic community, the fastest growing group in central Indiana, and familiarizing them with the Library's educational resources.
"Our goal is to help people not only better understand the community in which they live, but also to see the Library as a resource that can improve their lives," according to Raphael Mendez, Immigrant Outreach Specialist at IMCPL.
In addition to making available library card applications and IMCPL's web pages in Spanish, many newer services underscore the Library's efforts to extend its reach.
For the past two months, the Library's "ESL in Our Community" classes for newly-arrived immigrants have provided instruction in English literacy skills as well as information and resources to help them assimilate into the community.
The Library also has hosted workshops on financial literacy and labor rights in collaboration with the Mexican Consulate, local businesses and other institutions.
For young people, live homework help is offered online in Spanish for students in grades 4 - 12 through Tutor.com's Live Homework Help. This service gives Spanish-speaking students who have IMCPL Library cards the opportunity to interact live with certified tutors in the subjects of math and science, seven days a week from 2 - 9 p.m.
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers can be exposed to Spanish-language books through "The Bunny Book Bag Program," part of IMCPL's "Ready to Read" initiative. Beginning in 2007, Bunny Book Bags with a selection of all Spanish-language books will be available for parents, caregivers and teachers to checkout at the Library.
Bunny Book Bags are attractive bags filled with 20 pre-selected books that can be returned to any Library location. The service makes it easy for adults to select age-appropriate materials for their children and read to them. The goal is to instill a love of reading within children and help them become more prepared for school. Some selections in the bags are picture books with columns in both Spanish and English to help children learn English.
Other programming targeting the local Hispanic community includes "Day of the Dead" art workshops for children in celebration of the Mexican tradition of recognizing the dead and the continuity of life; bilingual performances in the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra's "Symphony on the Move" series; Hispanic family storytime programs; and author visits to local high schoolers. Numerous family and cultural programs are presented in partnership with other community organizations.
IMCPL also is active in translating into Spanish and making available a variety of community information documents, including the United Way's Success By 6 materials and the Indiana Black History Challenge promotional items and entry forms.
The Library maintains a presence in the Hispanic community by participation at such festivals as Cinco de Mayo, Mujer Latina, Mexican Independence Day and the Trinational Health Fair.
"It's important for new residents to know that the Library is here to provide information through materials and services that can help in their transition to a new culture, while at the same time provide programs that celebrate their own cultures," added Mendez.
To learn more about IMCPL's immigrant outreach activities, call 275-4088.
