Bilingual Library Services

Providing Spanish language services cuando no se habla español.

Background

According to the latest Santa Clara County Children’s Report and data from the California Department of Education:

Less than half of Santa Clara County preschoolers are prepared for kindergarten.

– Two factors strongly associated with kindergarten readiness: proficient in English exposed to frequent reading in the home 

54% of 3rd graders in the Morgan Hill Unified School District have below average reading proficiency.

– A child’s reading level at the end of third grade has been found to be one of the strongest predictors for school success.

Demographics

Approximately 20% of the Morgan Hill community identify themselves as speaking Spanish as a first language. 

Currently, 20% of the local student population is identified as English language learners, with a majority being Spanish-speakers.

Last year, 173 children enrolled in kindergarten with English as a second language.

Libros & Cuentos Para Todos

Create and implement series of Spanish/English bilingual storytimes.

Fund a bilingual librarian on a regular basis. Create or translate publicity that promotes

library services to the Spanish speaking community.

Purpose

Help prepare preschool-age children for kindergarten by introducing and practicing early literacy skills.

Share the benefits of reading with children and their parents or caregivers.

Increase awareness and use of library resources by English language learners.

Results

Series of 12 bilingual storytimes held in the library.

80 children and their caregivers will have participated.

6 bilingual storytime kits created. 100 adults and their families will be served

through Spanish language reference services.

Customers

English language learner adults and their families with Spanish as a first language

ELL children with Spanish as a first language Children and their caregivers

Progress

Spanish language reference service was created. – A bilingual librarian sponsored by our Friends group was

hired to work one evening a week.– 15-20 individuals visit the library weekly specifically for

reference service in Spanish.– 117 reference questions were answered in the first 7

months. Met with local agencies that provide services to

target group to discuss community needs and collaborative opportunities.

ESL class and their families were given an introductory tour of the library building and services.

Progress

Bilingual storytime material was purchased, gathered or created.

Spanish reader volunteers were recruited and trained.

Publicity promoting bilingual storytimes, Spanish reference service, and other library services were translated in to Spanish and distributed to local agencies.

11 bilingual storytimes have been given to date.

Next Steps

Continue bilingual storytimes on a regular, weekly basis.

Provide bilingual storytimes off-site. Recruit more Spanish reader volunteers. Find new places and ways to promote library

services to target group. Investigate starting a conversation club for English

language learners. Work with other agencies to provide services to

target group.

Success Measures

ELL children will increase their early literacy skills, and therefore be better prepared for and successful in school.

– Increase in storytime attendance – Families participate on a regular basis– Increase in school readiness for ELL Kindergarteners in the

service area.

89% increase

in storytime attendance since it became bilingual.

Success Measurement

Target group families will be introduced to library resources, and know where to go for their informational or entertainment needs.

0

2

4

6

8

10

Oct-Dec Jan-Mar

Spanish Reference Daily Average

0500

100015002000

Oct Dec Feb

Spanish Materials Circulation

2007-2008

2008-2009

•Significant increase in Spanish language materials circulation.

•Increase in use of Spanish language reference service.

25% increase

30% increase

Community Impact

The library will be considered a valuable community resource and a destination among the target group because:– Our resources and services show we value and

celebrate Latino culture.– We provide resources relevant to their lives.– Attending storytimes help improve their children’s

early literacy skills.