Models and Examples

See what other libraries are doing to help new immigrant populations adjust to life to American life and preserve their cultures. From virtual library tours and practical living advice to literacy classes, interpreters, and multi-lingual collections, use these libraries for inspiration!

New Americans Subject Guide

From the Arlington Public Library in Virginia, this site serves as a portal to library resources, selected websites, and public programs of interest to Arlington newcomers. Visitors can take a virtual library tour in English or Spanish; learn about the library’s Literacy and Language Computer Lab; explore materials available in other languages; find links to Community Outreach Centers in the Arlington area; and access more general sites on immigration and citizenship information.

“The English Language Learner in the Public Library”
by Kathy Patten & Dr. Dorothy Valcarcel Craig
Middle Tennessee State University

This PowerPoint presentation focuses on the state of Tennessee and offers first steps, current practices, and sources of information for public libraries on how to serve immigrant populations. The slides detail the wide range of languages spoken in Tennessee.

The American Place at Hartford Public Library, Connecticut

A free library service for immigrants and refugees, the goal of The American Place (TAP) is to help immigrants and refugees adjust to life in America while preserving elements of their native cultures. TAP’s programs are free and include practical advice on living in the U.S.; English as a Second Language classes; information on becoming a U.S. citizen; and instruction on how to use the library to find information on jobs, health, housing, education and other topics of interest.

Library Services for Immigrants: A Report on Current Practices
by the Institute of Museum and Library Services & U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

This document identifies current practices in library services to immigrants and provides information on topic areas including partnerships, collections, information services, programs and events, outreach, and planning. Here you can find examples on these topic areas from libraries across the U.S.

PolyTalk at the Lincoln Trail Libraries System, Illinois

PolyTalk helps limited English proficient patrons make full use of Illinois resources by providing all libraries with access to a secure database of volunteer interpreters available by phone who can provide real-time interpretation. Currently, there are over 75 interpreters participating in PolyTalk who speak 25 different languages.

Servicios Especiales y Alfabetización / Literacy and Special Services at the Miami-Dade Public Library, Florida

Patrons can find all library resources online in Spanish, including information about literacy classes to improve reading and writing for children or adult new learners and Project L.E.A.D (Literacy for Every Adult in Dade), which provides one-on-one tutoring to improve reading and writing skills.

New Americans Program Collections at the Queens Library in New York City

The Queens Library System offers extensive collections of books in more than fifteen languages available to all library patrons.

Directorio de Servicios Comunitarios / Community Services Directory at the San Francisco Public Library

This Directory provides a comprehensive listing of community organizations and the services they provide to people in San Francisco. Information can be found on government agencies, health and human service providers, community-based organizations, and more. In this Spanish version of the database, the organizations can be searched by Keyword, Subject, Organization, or Program.

The Literacy Collection at the Seattle Public Library

The Literacy Collection includes books, audiocassettes, videos, and CDs for adults to improve their reading, writing, and math skills. Materials are selected for adult learners to use on their own or with a tutor. Collection materials include information on GED preparation, parenting, reading and writing skills enhancement, and basic life skills.

This toolkit offers: