A presentation by Katie Cunningham at the 2011 McConnell Conference.

1. Serving Latino Children and Families in Kentucky Libraries McConnell Conference, February 25-26, 2011 Katie Cunningham, Children’s Librarian Lexington Public Library – Village Branch

2. Outline Demographics Serving Latinos in KY Libraries Cultural Considerations Collection Development Programming Professional Resources 5 Things You Can Do NOW ?

3. Latinos in Kentucky A growing minority

4. National Demographics Latinos became the largest minority in the U.S. in 2002 Latinos are also the youngest and the fastest-growing ethnic minority Estimated to be 30% of population by 2050 22% of U.S. school children are Latino Latino community is extremely diverse

6. Who is the Latino Child?

8. Serving Latinos in KY Libraries An Overview

9. The Village Branch Library –A uniquely bilingual biblioteca

10. Bilingual Staff

11. Bilingual Collection

12. Cultural Programs for Families Children build calaveras puppets on el Día de los Muertos / The Day of the Dead

13. Homework Help Free homework help with library staff and trained volunteers Mon – Thurs 4 – 8 PM

14. Community Partnerships In 2010 we partnered with FCPS to provide bilingual paperwork assistance and free copies to support Kindergarten registration on-site at the Village Branch library. We are continuing the partnership in 2011.

15. Bilingual Family Storytime

16. Early Literacy Workshops for Parents A pilot project to provide families with information and resources they can use at home to help their child develop early literacy skills and become ready for Kindergarten

17. Educational Programs for Adults ESL Spanish Computer Classes Bilingual Café Bilingual Tax Assistance

18. The Village Branch Biblioteca Opened in 2004 Completely bilingual staff Integrated bilingual collection Accessible location Free homework help Language and computer classes Community information and referrals Cultural and literacy programs for families Community partnerships

19. Kentucky Libraries Día de los niños / Día de los libros Bilingual programs with community partners English classes and conversation groups Prime Time Family Reading Program Outreach programs REFORMA – National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish-Speaking – Southeast Chapter

20. Serving Latino Immigrants Cultural Considerations

21. Survey on Mexican Cultural Habits El Universal: Noticias de México y el Mundo. México D.F., a 16 de diciembre de 2010

22. Cultural Considerations Language Barrier Cultural Barrier Librería Notarios Personal relationship / Trust Point of Need Service Family

23. Where to start… Who is your Latino community? What are their information needs? What organizations are serving Latinos in your community? How can you work together? What barriers are preventing Latinos in your community from using the library?

24. Collection Development Authors, Illustrators and Where to Find Them

25. Awards PuraBelpré Américas Tomás Rivera Mexican American Children’s Book Award

26. Authors to Know Pat Mora Julia Alvarez Yuyi Morales Carmen Tafolla Monica Brown René ColatoLaínez Margarita Engle Alma FlorAda Arthur Dorros LucíaGonzález

27. Illustrators to Know Rafael López Maya Cristina Gonzalez David Diaz Joe Cepeda Yuyi Morales Magaly Morales Amy Córdova Lulu Delacre Rudy Gutierrez Raul Colón

28. Publishers and Reviews Children’s Book Press CincoPuntos Press Piñata Press Lectorum Multicultural Review Críticas REFORMA Baharona Center School Library Journal Blogs

29. Programming Successful Programs to Try

30. ¡Día! Libraries nationwide celebrate bookjoy every year on April 30 Founded by Pat Mora in 1996, along with REFORMA and ALSC Cultural events, book giveaways, multilingual readings and community celebrations

31. Cultural Programs Día de los niños / Día de los libros Noche de cuentos Hispanic Heritage Month Día de los muertos Cinco de mayo Las posadas

32. Homework Help Designated space Volunteers and/or staff School supplies Communication with local schools Library resources

33. Storytime Incorporate Latino authors, illustrators and characters Use English books with Spanish words Read bilingual books Invite Spanish-speaking guest readers Use Latino folktales Share fingerplays, rhymes and songs in Spanish

34. Professional Resources Where to Turn for Help

35. Professional Resources REFORMA REFORMA Southeast Webjunction CHILES Colorín Colorado PLUS ¡Es divertidohablar dos idiomas!

36. 5 Things you can do now to serve Latino children and families The Take Away

37. 1. Be friendly and welcoming Friendly staff are more important than bilingual staff or Spanish materials!

38. 2. Inclusive programs Use books written / illustrated by Latinos that positively reflect Latino culture in your programs Consider starting a Homework Help program

39. 3. Inclusive collections Purchase books from diverse and independent publishers which positively represent Latino culture

40. 4. Reach out Visit an outside organization which serves your Latino community and invite them to use the library

41. 5. Celebrate bookjoy Plan an event to celebrate El Día de los Niños / El Día de los Libros (Children’s Day / Book Day) this year and every year

42. “We are guilty of many crimes, but our worst sin is abandoning the child; neglecting the foundation of life. Many of the things we need can wait; the child cannot. We cannot answer Tomorrow. Her name is Today.” -Chilean poet and educator Gabriela Mistral What will you do?