Backup — original pdf

Backup

Welcoming Services at Austin Public Library Newcomer Engagement & Navigation June 30, 2025 Laura Tadena (she/her/ella) Community Engagement Librarian Austin Central Library Agenda 1 2 3 4 5 Community Context & Growth Overview of APL’s Welcoming Services Enhanced Library Cards What’s Next Q&A Austin is a Welcoming City The City of Austin is part of a Welcoming Network, a national coalition of 300+ local governments and nonprofits working to build more inclusive and welcoming communities in the United States. Austin is pursuing Certified Welcoming status, with a goal of achieving a 2-star designation The Welcoming Standard recognizes public libraries as essential infrastructure for: Hubs for language access and learning Facilitators of civic participation Anchors of cultural connection and trust- building Why this work matters. Austin is rapidly changing: One of the fastest-growing and most diverse cities in the U.S. Immigrants make up 14% of Austin’s population. Nearly 1 in 3 children in Austin has at least one immigrant parent. Libraries are already essential to this populations: According to ALA’s New Americans Library Project White Paper: Over 55% of new Americans use their public library weekly. Vera Institute (n.d.). Profile of the foreign-born population in Austin, Texas: https://vera-institute.files.svdcdn.com/production/downloads/publications/profile-foreign- born-population-austin.pdf Language Access & Community Need What is “Linguistic Isolation”? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a household is considered linguistically isolated if: “No person age 14 or older speaks English at least ‘very well.’” What does this mean? No one in the home can confidently navigate forms, services, or institutions in English. These households are more likely to face barriers to education, health care, housing, and civic participation. Darker areas = higher levels of linguistic isolation; helps to identify residents who may need: Translated information In-language services Bilingual or multilingual staff Outreach that is culturally and linguistically responsive Map: 2020 ACS Linguistic Isolation by Census Tract What are Welcoming Services? Austin Public Library plays a vital role in helping all Austinites, regardless of language, status, or origin, feel welcomed and empowered to discover, learn and create. Welcoming Services are: Rooted in trust, safety, and dignity Designed to support newcomers and multilingual communities Moves beyond access to foster belonging, leadership, and connection Strategic Alignment APL’s Strategic Plan City of Austin Alignment Certified Welcoming Standards SG1 Provide Community-Centric Programs & Services: We design services with and for our diverse communities. SG3 Foster Stakeholder Relationships: We build partnerships that strengthen community trust and connection. SG4 Expand Library Access: We make sure everyone can use the library, no matter where they live or what language they speak. Culture & Lifelong Learning: Equitable access to educational, creative, and cultural opportunities. Government That Works for All: Builds public trust and creates space for belonging and voice. Economic Opportunity & Affordability: Promotes upward mobility through access to tools, jobs, and learning. GL 1.2 Government & Community Leadership: Intentional strategy for advancing immigrant inclusion across public services. EA 2.0 Equitable Access: provides Provides translated materials, interpretation, and multilingual outreach. CE 2.0 Civic Engagement: Supports immigrants in participating fully in civic and public life. Delivering Welcoming Services Austin Public Library provides: English Language Learning Civic Navigation & Naturalizations Cultural Connections Multilingual Access Outreach & Navigation APL’s Welcoming Services & Newcomer Engagement: English Language Learning What we offer: ESL Classes at multiple branches in partnership with community organizations Talk Time: Conversation Circles to build everyday confidence and reduce isolation Multilingual tech help and digital resources to support English learners Where It’s Happening: Little Walnut Creek, Southeast Ruiz, Cepeda, St. John, Twin Oaks, Central, and more nd Starting June 2 ! Mondays from 9:30-11 AM or scan the QR code Twin Oaks Branch 1800 S 5 St. th For dates, locations and more, please visit: library.austintexas.gov/events/talk-time library.austintexas.gov | Free and open to the public ADA accommodations (512)974-9975 or ask@austin.tx.libanswers.com APL’s Welcoming Services & Newcomer Engagement: Civic Navigation & Naturalizations What we Offer Citizenship classes & exam prep resources Naturalization ceremonies Know Your Rights workshops Legal aid, voter registration, passport services, and civic resource referrals Where It’s Happening: Central Library, Ruiz, Southeast, University Hills, Little Walnut Creek, and community partner sites Why it Matters Builds pathways to citizenship and civic empowerment Connects newcomers to trusted legal and public resources Supports safe, informed participation in public life APL’s Welcoming Services & Newcomer Engagement: Cultural Connections What we Offer Annual Heritage Month Celebrations (Latinx Heritage Month, Black History Month, Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and more) Heritage festivals & cultural celebrations Community storytelling and oral history projects Where It’s Happening: Across branches, green spaces, and cultural centers citywide Why it Matters Celebrates the histories and voices of Austin’s diverse communities Fosters pride, visibility, and intergenerational connection Builds bridges between cultures through shared experiences APL’s Welcoming Services & Newcomer Engagement: Multilingual Access What we Offer Bilingual signage and translated materials Language-accessible storytimes, events, and digital help World Languages Collection for reading, viewing, and listening in 20+ language Staff training in language access and cultural responsiveness Where It’s Happening: Citywide, with focus in linguistically isolated neighborhoods Why it Matters Affirms language as a human right (language justice) Promotes equitable access to information Helps international students, newcomers, and longtime residents see themselves reflected in library spaces APL’s Welcoming Services & Newcomer Engagement: Outreach & Navigation What we Offer Pop-up libraries and resources navigation at festivals, shelters, housing sites, and community Centers Culturally rooted ArtSmart programming, including: Día de los Niños, Cherry Blossom Festival, Día de los Muertos, Celebrating Asian Dragons, and more ESL with Chinese-speaking seniors at Ladybird Apartments Pop-up Enhanced Library Card (ELC) sign-ups Literature Live Puppet Shows Where It’s Happening: Citywide and at Festivals, cultural centers, and neighborhoods with high newcomer and LEP populations Why it Matters Meets people where they are and positions APL as a trusted partner Reduces barriers to literacy, belonging, and civic participation What is an Enhanced Library Card? Library card for adults (18 or older) Includes your library card number, photograph, address, date of birth, the expiration date, and legal & chosen or preferred name Card can be used to checkout materials Available at 9 branches & at outreach events: Central Library Cepeda Branch Little Walnut Creek Branch Menchaca Road Branch Milwood Branch Ruiz Branch St. John Branch Southeast Branch Terrazas Branch Value of the Enhanced Library Card Accessing Library Resources: To check-out books, laptops, hotspots, and other resources from the library. Alternate Form of Identification: If you don't have a government-issued ID, an Enhanced Library Card can serve as an alternate form of identification. Closes Barriers to Access: ELC supports community members who may face challenges obtaining traditional forms of identification, including newcomers, older adults, and individuals experiencing housing insecurity. Accepted locally: The Enhanced Library Card is recognized by community partners and can be used to verify your identity or proof of residency for accessing social services. Enhanced Library Card Impact & Reach Launched May 2023 at 3 sites → ~500 cards in first month 2024: Addition of new ELC Sites + outreach units → Steady growth with spikes in March (737) and October (496) 2025: Major acceleration Jan: 1,217 cards Feb: 1,515 cards (highest month) Mar–Jun: 800+ cards/month As of June 25, 2025, 15,525 Enhanced Library Cards have been issued. What’s Next? Welcoming Week: September 12–21, 2025 A national celebration that brings together neighbors of all backgrounds. Partner with COA Equity Office, Office of Civil Rights, and YWCA to co-host Welcoming Week programs Civic & Social Support Services Continue hosting Naturalization Ceremonies, Citizenship Clinics (Fall & Spring (Spanish), & Voter Registration Drives Support for state benefits sign-ups & resource navigation through partner organizations Nature & Language Access Partnering with the World Language Team to deliver nature- themed programming in multiple languages Building Making outdoor learning and green spaces more accessible through culturally responsive and language-inclusive activities Thank you! Presenter Contact: Laura Tadena (she/her/ella), Community Engagement Librarian laura.tadena@austintexas.gov General Questions: 512-974-7400 or email ask@austin.tx.libanswers.com For Library Card questions and assistance: Call Customer Service: 512-974-7475