Hooper Public Library Hooper, Nebraska Population Served: 827 Language other than English: 1% Project Contact: Karla Shafer Project Title: Spanish is Great in 2008 @ your library Project Description:When I became Director of the Hooper Public Library four years ago, I noticed the absence of bilingual reading materials in the Library.  I realized there were very few in town who did not speak English, but my heart went out to the few that came into the Library, only to find English materials. My budget from the City is very restrictive, and it would take too long to develop a nice bilingual section.  But, with the American Dream grant I am developing a nice selection of materials that will hopefully make my Hispanic patrons feel like this is their Library, too.  I want to  say to them, “You have come so far toward your American Dream, don’t stop now. Let me help. ”

Notable accomplishment, promising practices, or human interest stories: Even though, on a scale with other cities, my development of bi-Lingual materials is not amazing, it is indeed a notable accomplishment, considering there was NOTHING at this Library before, for anyone to read anything but English words.

My husband’s grandfather came as a young boy to America from Germany.  He spoke only German then, and had no assistance from teachers, neighbors, or any American to learn American English.  He shared with me his hurt and frustration in feeling so alone in his struggle to learn the language of his new world.  I am determined to be an American who opens my arms to our current immigrants who are trying to realize a dream.  I say to them, at least in Hooper, that dream will be enhanced in the “American Dream @ your library.”

Key lessons learned: I have learned that Hooper is very naïve when they think their community’s population and culture will remain as it was forty years ago.  I want to be a kind assistant in the changing of their world view.

Advice for other libraries serving adult English language learners: Learn enough of the original language of your patrons, to make them feel welcome.  And, a big, welcoming smile will go a long way in what you cannot say with your voice.