Q&A
Language access programs and services in libraries
0:51:46
·
3 min
Council Member Rivera inquires about language access programs in libraries, emphasizing their importance in diverse communities. Library representatives discuss various initiatives to support multilingual patrons.
- Libraries offer translation services through the English Language Line
- ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes and conversation groups are provided
- Programming in multiple languages, including storytimes and author talks, is available
- International book collections cater to different linguistic communities
- Civic literacy components, such as participatory budgeting discussions, are conducted in multiple languages
Carlina Rivera
0:51:46
You know, in terms of contact.
0:51:49
In terms of being able to speak to people in their own language, you all mentioned language access.
0:51:55
Incredibly important.
0:51:56
And just for Queen's, I mean, I used to be the chair of the hospitals committee, and they would say that in Elmhurst hospital, you could probably hear in a single day over a 100 languages.
0:52:08
Right?
0:52:08
They call it the world's borough for a reason.
0:52:11
But I know that throughout all of our branches, people are commuting, they're visiting, they're going to appointments, and they're stopping at a branch.
0:52:19
And they don't necessarily speak English or Spanish or Mandarin or Cantonese or or whatever it is.
0:52:27
And so if you can just, I guess, expand on how the council can be helpful in expanding any sort of language access programs you all have, especially when it comes to voter engagement.
0:52:42
I I would love to hear just a little bit about that.
0:52:46
Especially the the I know you're also doing classes, citizenship, just learning.
0:52:54
I've done actually government 101 at the Tomkins Square branch a couple of times, so that's a lot of fun.
0:53:00
I mean, that's in English.
0:53:01
But if if you all can just explain a little bit on language access programs and what you're doing and how the council can be helpful.
0:53:06
And then we'll go to council member Carr.
0:53:09
Oh, we've also been joined by council member Ahn and Hanks.
Scott McLeod
0:53:14
So I'll I'll talk a little bit about the couple of things that we have going on the English language line that provides translation services for the public.
0:53:26
I think, Jared, what you mentioned in terms of the classes and the We talked about we speak New York.
0:53:33
We talked about our ASOL conversation groups.
0:53:36
We talked about all of those different sort of, I think, foundational pieces that we rely on funding, we rely on support to continue those services.
0:53:50
We've expanded that type of access in terms of languages into other areas.
0:53:59
So looking at our programming and making sure that our programming at different points is conducted in other languages, whether that's a story time, whether that's an author talk, those have been some of the things that we've been trying to and and that really, I think, put an effort into making sure that it's accessible.
0:54:17
Looking at our international collections and making sure that we have books and resources within different libraries that cater to that neighborhood, but also expanding beyond that.
0:54:29
And then now looking at with our civic literacy components, looking at making sure that we are doing things like these discussion groups or idea sessions where we're talking about the participatory budgeting.
0:54:44
And making sure that that's being done in other languages so that we can connect with people.
0:54:49
And so I think all of those things collectively are ways in which we've been able to to, I think, live up to the moniker as the most diverse borrow in in the world.
0:55:02
But I think the support from the city council has been and continues to be essential to making sure that we can deliver those services to everyone and not have to worry about disruptions or reductions.
0:55:13
So
