Hispanic American Heritage Month

Feel a slight change in the breeze? Smell a hint of fall in the air? As September is upon us, Oklahoma Cityans anticipate the start of not only the State Fair but the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, beginning on Sept. 15^th. September is also Library Card Sign-Up Month. Awesome!

Recently, I participated in a symposium hosted by the Language and Cultural Services of Oklahoma City Public Schools. Called The ExcELLence Symposium, it was designed so that professionals working in the English language field could meet to share ideas, insights, and network. Organizations invited to attend were asked to highlight resources available to those who spoke English as a second language.

Along with associate librarian Gloria Melchor, we presented “Why Your Library is the Most Important Place in Town,” with information gathered from a 2011 article in Public Libraries.

We spoke about empowerment being the main focus of those who work at a library. Librarians help individuals, organizations, and communities by performing a valuable information service. As an entity, we provide access to resources required for individuals to contribute to society as informed citizens -- regardless of financial resources or social status within the community.

We talked about the library as a community and cultural center, where customers come to explore, interact and imagine.  Libraries act as centers for the arts by providing access to nonmainstream points of view. We give voice to local artists such as playwrights, musicians, storytellers, and authors. We provide programs that encourage art appreciation and art participation (photography, painting, crafting, and more!) Your local library provides access to the arts for all, not just those who can afford them.

We highlighted the library as “the people’s university”, a place to get free information, take advantage of educational opportunities such as computer classes, Spanish classes, writing workshops, or obtain remote access to cultural and educational offerings. We focused on a database that could assist ESL learners in their quest to learn English: Mango Languages. We also demonstrated the use of another database called Learning Library Express, which offers a variety of educational resources to help customers build skills toward many different careers.  All for free!

Lastly, we highlighted the Capitol Hill Library’s Spanish language collection, and talked about the library as a community center for diverse populations. The library ensures that non-English speakers see themselves as represented in their community by providing access to multilingual resources, giving immigrants helpful information about the community, and providing them with opportunities to connect with their new communities.

There’s a lot you can do with a library card. Feel empowered, pursue a hobby, satisfy your curiosity, explore a database. All at your local library!