Back to school is just around the corner. This is a perfect time to commit to ensuring that your library is a welcoming, responsive place for EVERYONE in your community. My upcoming class "Building Relationships, Building Bridges: Library Outreach and Marketing to Latino and Spanish-Speaking Families" helps librarians and library staff learn how to truly engage with Latino families, with particular focus on serving first-generation immigrants and their children. If you are interested in taking "Bilingual Storytime at Your Biblioteca" (begins September 7), it is strongly recommended that you take this class first. A new session starts August 3, and registration is open now. This is a four-week, asynchronous online class. Please be in touch if you have any questions!
Here is the course description:
"Public libraries across the country experiencing growth in their Latino and Spanish-speaking populations face similar challenges in connecting these communities with library service. Though libraries may offer Spanish-language materials and/or programming, these services may not attract the targeted community as desired. This class is designed to help libraries to bridge the gap and increase the use of their services by Latinos and Spanish-speakers, with particular emphasis on reaching first-generation immigrants and their families. Participants will increase their knowledge of Latino cultural values that impact library use, develop an understanding of common barriers that impede library use, and develop strategies for overcoming those barriers. Participants will also identify key people/organizations within their own communities for potential partnerships. This course is strongly recommended as a prerequisite for 'Bilingual Storytime at Your Biblioteca.'"
More information and registration at: http://libraryjuiceacademy.com/032-spanish-speaking.php
Here is the course description:
"Public libraries across the country experiencing growth in their Latino and Spanish-speaking populations face similar challenges in connecting these communities with library service. Though libraries may offer Spanish-language materials and/or programming, these services may not attract the targeted community as desired. This class is designed to help libraries to bridge the gap and increase the use of their services by Latinos and Spanish-speakers, with particular emphasis on reaching first-generation immigrants and their families. Participants will increase their knowledge of Latino cultural values that impact library use, develop an understanding of common barriers that impede library use, and develop strategies for overcoming those barriers. Participants will also identify key people/organizations within their own communities for potential partnerships. This course is strongly recommended as a prerequisite for 'Bilingual Storytime at Your Biblioteca.'"
More information and registration at: http://libraryjuiceacademy.com/032-spanish-speaking.php