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| Monday, January 05, 2009 |  |
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COUNTY DEPARTMENT LIST |
Hispanic ServicesBegun in early 1997, the program "Library Service to Spanish Speaking People" offers customized library service to the Hispanic population of Forsyth County, a group predominated by working class Mexican immigrants, but also including natives of diverse socioeconomic background from many other Latin American countries. In recent years the number of native Spanish speakers in Forsyth County has grown to over 30,000, approximately 10% of the general population. Forsyth County Public Library offers multimedia collections of Spanish language and bilingual materials in the Central Library and all branches except Lewisville. These contain a wide variety of materials for children and adults, emphasizing attractive formats, easy readability, and Latino themes to meet the needs of this special group. Most collections are housed together to further facilitate family usage. The Hispanic Services department sponsors several programs at library locations. A Bilingual Conversation Club is offered on Monday evenings from 6 to 8pm at the Central Library. Native Spanish and English speakers come together to discuss a given topic each week in English and Spanish, modeling and assisting each other to learn their target language. Some prior experience in the second language is expected for participation. Bilingual Conversation Club takes place monthly at Southside Branch Library (3rd Monday, 6:30 p.m.), Reynolda Branch Library (4th Tuesday, 6:30 pm), and the Central Library (3rd Wednesday, 7 p.m.). Department head Esmirna Esparza, draws on her extensive storytelling and folksinging background in sharing stories, songs, and crafts in Spanish and English. Refreshments are served in both of these programs. A number of exciting special programs are offered in bilingual format for both Spanish and English speakers. These include Día de los Niños - Día de los Libros (Day of the Children – Day of the Books) in late April and a Christmas posada in December. The Hispanic Services department also plays an active role in two multicultural programs sponsored by the library’s Cultural Diversity Committee: the Multicultural Fair, which occurs in early March, and Lanterns of Hope/Linternas de la Paz in late July. Computer courses for beginners are taught in Spanish in the library’s Computer Learning Center, paralleling courses offered in English. A sequence of about 10 weeks generally includes: Computer Basics (Introduction to the mouse and keyboard), the Internet, Writing a resume, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. This sequence is offered three or four times a year. The courses generally take place on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 pm. Pre-registration is required. Library services are promoted by extensive outreach programs wherever Hispanics gather, particularly in churches and public schools. These may include a 10-minute description followed by on site registration or a 30-60 minute session demonstrating why and how to share books with children. The library recently purchased a new bookmobile, which will visit apartment complexes and churches where many Hispanics live and worship. It began service in the spring of 2005. For more information on Forsyth County Public Library's Services to Spanish Speaking People call (336) 703-2969. |
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