“I think any ESL program would be really beneficial,” said Brown, who has been with the library for more than year. But in today’s volatile political climate with tenuous funding for public programs and social services, the question remains as to how cost-effective would such efforts be to libraries in the long term?Īs a former teacher who has taught both elementary and adult education, Melanie Brown offered her perspective from her experience in working as a volunteer with the San Jose Public Library, the largest public library system between San Francisco and Los Angeles. One way is the implementation of an English as a Second Language (ESL) or civic program which would help immigrant communities better adjust and assimilate to life in the United States. In seeking to move beyond the tired label of being “just about books,” libraries must engage with these communities through outreach and engagement. ![]() ![]() The communities libraries serve are becoming more diverse. “I know that there are other programs that are available, but I have always seen the library as a welcoming place for the community.” When asked why he chose the library as opposed to night classes through an adult education program, Ashok’s reasoning was clear. Prior to taking the citizenship test, Ashok attended classes at the library. “But for me, the process is taking much longer.” Ashok has been in the United States for 5 years. ![]() “My wife is already a citizen,” he said, when we sat down for a brief chat in one of the study rooms at the local library branch. Ashok Kumar Aryal is an immigrant from Nepal who is currently waiting to become an American citizen.
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