Link to October 24 AP article at Seattle PI website, "In diverse times, libraries seek to broaden appeal".
Excerpt: Sheryl Toque settled into her seat in the East Elmhurst branch of the Queens Library, her children playing nearby.
She wasn't there to borrow a book. But she did want information - the 33-year-old Philippines native wants to become an American citizen. So she went to the library for a seminar with a civics teacher and a lawyer to go through the immigration process. It wasn't the first time she's used the Queens Library for help; she has also taken English classes at another branch.
"It's usually free so you don't have to spend anything extra," she said. "I like it because I could also bring my kids with me."
Libraries have always been in the business of providing information. But as diversity continues to grow in the United States, libraries like the system in Queens are trying to remain vital and relevant to their communities by offering information in a range of new ways.
They're doing that not only by adding material in multiple languages to their collections, but also through programming that includes citizenship courses, tax help and cancer screenings.
No comments:
Post a Comment