Pineda Sept06

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Hennepin County Library Minnesota ALSC National Institute September 15, 2006 Pittsburgh, PA Engaging Your Community in Día Partnerships

Numbering at an estimated 193,200 (2005), Latinos are now well established in urban, suburban and rural areas, and remain the state's fastest growing ethnic group. Projected growth trends estimate that Minnesota's Latino population growth will increase by 248% through 2025. : 

Día de los niños / Día de los libros Numbering at an estimated 193,200 (2005), Latinos are now well established in urban, suburban and rural areas, and remain the state's fastest growing ethnic group. Projected growth trends estimate that Minnesota's Latino population growth will increase by 248% through 2025. Latinos in Minnesota

26 Libraries17 School DistrictsLargest Immigrant Groups: Mexicans (many from Puebla, Morelos, and Guanajuato), Salvadorians, Ecuadorians, Colombians and Guatemalans : 

Suburban Hennepin County 26 Libraries 17 School Districts Largest Immigrant Groups: Mexicans (many from Puebla, Morelos, and Guanajuato), Salvadorians, Ecuadorians, Colombians and Guatemalans

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Our Goals Link Latinos with library resources Educate people about Early Literacy Recognize and celebrate our Latino communities Build community partnerships

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How it all began… 3+ years of relationship building Parent visits to build trust to learn about their experiences with literacy and libraries Bilingual storytimes with a few families at the library Readmobile visits Four or five community partners 2003 – 2004

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How it all began… Other connections: ELL teachers and tutors Weekly bilingual storytimes at adult ELL classes Bus trips to the library Families were more interested and trusted us We asked them what they wanted for Día These families felt ownership of the event 2004 – 2005

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Día 2005 17 community partners Held out in the community 450+ in attendance Gave away 250 children’s books Great feedback from the community

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Día 2005 Model for other libraries Systematic approach in promoting Shared resources and contacts

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Día 2006 30 Community Partners 750+ in attendance

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Día 2006 In collaboration with major Latino newspaper and radio Held at same location in the community Gave away 500 children’s books More diverse families in attendance Much more literacy based program Community assumed leadership / library was more a partner

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Partnerships: Partnerships

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Partnerships: Partnerships

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Library Partners: Partnerships

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Local Latino Businesses La Concha Mexican Bakery El Jalapeño Grocery Store Latino Families made food, designed piñatas, lead storytimes, decorated, planned, made costumes, etc. Chiqui and the Children’s Choir Diana Merrigan and the Children’s Folkloric Dancers “Sentimiento Ecuatoriano” dancers Most Critical Community Partners

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Focus on early literacy Understand community expectations Engage target community Involve other library staff Give-aways: books and bikes Great DJ Key Components

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Music, dancing, food, piñatas. Kids are the stars! Día de los niños / Día de los libros

Word of Mouth...: 

Publicity Word of Mouth... Radio and Newspapers… Fliers… Key Community Members and Partners…

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Early Literacy Focus

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Early Literacy Focus Incorporate traditional music: “La marcha de las letras” by Cri-Crí and “Juguemos en el bosque” Hint: Ask your community what songs they recall from their childhood. They might even have the music at home. Use letters and words for decoration. Hang white paper on the wall and ask families to write a message. Examples: “What Día de los niños means to me…” or “My favorite story or song is…”

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Give away books: such as “Los Pollitos Dicen” by Nancy Abraham Hall Children could decorate the room with illustrations from their favorite book. Early Literacy Focus

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Día de los niños / Día de los libros Recognize the diversity in your Latino community

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Birth to Six Website: Jun 05 – May 06 The Payoff www.hclib.org/BirthTo6

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Circulation of Spanish Language materials went up. Two feature articles in Richfield Sun Current. New partnership with Latino Communications Network, the largest Latino media outlet in MN, including two major newspapers and “La Invasora” 1400 AM radio! Five feature articles in La Prensa de MN and Gente de MN, printed bilingually, regarding general library services, library programs for Latinos, and early literacy for Latinos; all leading up to Día celebration. The Payoff

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The Payoff Richfield Community Ed. survey asked community members what events stand out as being a big deal in the lives of kids around Richfield. 4th of July – Cattail Days – fall festival type of thing Football games Day of the Child (new) Teen dances at pool (older kids) Visit events in other communities

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The Payoff Long-term relationships established More outreach to Latinos Community building amongst Latino families Library buy-in

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Systematic Support Hopkins Library St. Louis Park Library Brookdale Library

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Día 2007 and Beyond HCL is working with University of Minnesota Doctoral candidate, Lillian Duran, and Early Literacy Consultant, Angele Passe, to develop procedures to ensure that HCL’s World Language Storytimes incorporate current research on preschool English Language Learners’ literacy development.

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Día 2007 and Beyond Incorporating more Early Literacy modeling and training Teach Early Literacy skills in the community Systematically support other libraries to try it Encourage families from other cultures to attend