Library Services for Immigrants and New Americans: Celebration and Integration

While the United States has long been a beacon of hope for people around the world, the political climate, administrative policies, and judicial rulings of recent times have clouded the dreams of immigrants and refugees seeking a better life. Public libraries, though, remain as relevant today to the immigrant experience as they did during the heyday of Ellis Island. Relying on concrete examples, Koerber (Emerging Technologies: A Primer for Librarians) explains how immigrants can benefit from existing public library services, such as job search help and technology training. For a more targeted approach, she suggests offering English-language classes, conversation clubs, and citizenship kits and partnering with community organizations to assist with immigration and citizenship paperwork. Koerber also demonstrates how displays and programs featuring the music, dance, food, and art of different cultures highlight a community's diversity, bridge differences between longtime residents and immigrants, and welcome new arrivals.