My oldest son recently asked for a library card. Because I assumed he would continue to use my card. It never occurred to me that he would want his own card at such a young age. But oh, the wonderful world that a library card can open! Just by having that simple card, which in many places costs very little or nothing at all, can provide a sense of independence.
Libraries are discovering that others, not just young children, can use their card for that same purpose. For immigrants looking to obtain citizenship, the Hartford Library’s The American Place (TAP) fulfills that dream. According to their website, TAP “…provides key support to residents new to America by linking them to programs and services available at both the library and within the region.” Those services include free English and Citizenship classes and assistance with accessing online immigration information. To help navigate these resources, mentor new immigrants, and provide tutoring services, the program recruits Cultural Navigators.
The program further connects individuals through a variety of initiatives. Other than the Cultural Navigators Program, the library presents regular Community Dialogues where the community develops solutions for an issue of common interest. In 2010, TAP received a three-year National Leadership Grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services to help further these initiatives.
Librarian a la mode 