Interview with Lexington County Public Library Concerning Programming for Hispanic Patrons

On 25 October 2014, I volunteered to assist the Lexington County Public Library in their Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration.  It was held one week early so that individuals could participate in their own celebrations during the actual holidays.  I had prepared a series of questions for a librarian with the Lexington County Library system as I had been granted an interview on that day.  The event was a tremendous success, and the librarian was unable to be interviewed because she was so busy.  Michelle Williams, the librarian, graciously offered to answer by emailed questions, and on Friday, 14 November, she returned the following:

1) How did Lexington County Library Main Branch determine that there was a need for programming specifically for Latino youth?  Did someone use or develop a survey or questioner to assess needs?

Our former Youth Services Coordinator decided to start programming for the Hispanic community.  She serves on the board of First Steps and met Gigi Towers and Maria Arroyo, educators for First Steps in Lexington who serve this community.  They suggested our first Feliz Navidad because they were homesick and knew their families were as well and thought this was a good way for them all to come together and share the cultural things they missed from home.  Ellen also knew Ivette Villarreal who was doing work in the Hispanic community and she too helped with the programs and with translating materials.  I do not know if a survey was done; most of these families were non-library users who Gigi and Marie brought in.

2) What outreach programs, and library services does this library employ to accommodate and service the Latino population?

We expanded the bi-lingual events at Lexington Main to include Dia de los Muertos and Pascqua.  We also attempted a bi-lingual Saturday Storytime for awhile, but lost the staff member who spoke Spanish and had to discontinue this.  We have often attended open houses or parent’s night for the ESOL programs in our area schools to speak about the library and its resources and programs. Other branches have had bi-lingual events as well and we attempted one bi-lingual storytime on the bookmobile.  Cayce-West Columbia has an annual Die de los Ninos celebration.

3) What percentage of library customers is Latino?

I do not have that figure, but have seen an increase of library users from this population.  The children often serve as translators.  Several years ago Ellen worked to have our applications and user information translated.  We also have translation of SR materials.

4) Do you have other tailored programs for specific demographic populations such as the elderly?  If yes, what are they?

A few of our branches have senior centers in walking distance and do offer programs specifically for these groups.  We also offer outreach computer classes using a mobile training lab at some of the senior centers.

5) Do you have bilingual staff? 

Unfortunately not at this time.

6) How do you let the public know about specific programs that you offer?

We create in-house fliers, utilize our webpage, road signs at branches that have them, email distribution lists, social media, in school promotions or speaking at chamber events, and tv/newspaper.