SPANISH LANGUAGE OUTREACH

The Spanish language is becoming of ever increasing importance in American life. A very large percentage of new immigrants to this country, both legal and illegal, are coming from Spanish speaking countries. As a result, Hispanics are an ever increasing portion of our population, even here in Central & Northern Wisconsin.

Libraries play an important role in assimilating these people into our society. Libraries are a source of information to people in ESL programs as well as information in general. Some Friends groups are getting involved in helping their libraries respond. I know that in Abbotsford the Friends helped finance Spanish language keyboards for the library's computers. Hispanic people are beoming an important part of that community.

Webjunction has just outlined a "Spanish Language Outreach" program which outlines steps you can take in your Friends group and library to better respond to the changing makeup of the population in your area. Check it out at in the "Groups" section at: http://www.webjunction.org/