HOLA Workshop for Service to Spanish patrons.

1. Goals for serving our Spanish Speaking Community:

Signage in Spanish.Cinco De Mayo- Connect and become a part of the planning process.Collect more materials and find a better spot for them in the library.Get a Spanish speaking community member as a board member.Do more PR in basic Bilingual flyers, ads, etc. and where to put them.Do more programing for Spanish speakers to help them assimilate. The library can help teach the English language and other life skills that will help them succeed in this country, city, town, etc.Use Wally Rendon to do a Financial Literacy program for Spanish Speakers.Become involved in the Hispanic business council, cultural councils, etc. go to their meetings.

2. Items from the workshop for staff use that will help:
CD Survival Spanish for Library Staff. We can all benefit from hearing and repeating what is on this CD.

3. Actions we can take to make it easier on us and Spanish speaking patrons:
We need to keep a visual Dictionary at the desk, as well as a Spanish dictionary at the desk.
Use Web Junction Spanish Language Outreach Programs. Don't reinvent the wheel.
4. Why we serve Spanish speaking patrons:
By providing a welcoming atmosphere (Spanish signs, Spanish staff, etc.) they will be more likely to pick up the things that help them learn English, or sign up for ESL classes through the Walworth. Co. Literacy Council, or being informed about other life skills.

5. Concepts to understand about the Hispanic culture:
Very Paternalistic. Potentially sexist for American Standards, but don't assume so. Machismo means a sense of extreme responsibility in Mexico, but in America it has changed to a more negative connotation that conveys a womanizer or misogynist. In America, Hispanic women are awakened many times and empowered because they have more rights, responsibilities, and many of them take to it.
In Hispanic culture, if you are in a meeting or visiting a home, you will likely be offered something right away (coffee, food, etc.). It's a bridge they extend to build trust. If it's turned down you are sending a message of rejection. By nature, the people do not trust the government because of where they are coming from. Libraries are government, so we need to keep that in mind. We need to defuse that element of distrust. It's huge because the fear that must exist about someone knowing what you are reading, viewing, using the Internet for, etc. We need to build the trust to let them know that we do not keep records of what they check out, we keep their info completely private, we do not check for legal residency, etc. Hispanics shy away from shame, so if they are late with a book there is so much shame they may not come back. Also, back to the distrust, families will not go to parent teacher conferences because of fear and distrust, not language barriers always. They will send an older sibling, a cousin, etc. to build distance from the institution.
Many times Mom as the power, but Dad has the authority to carry it out. Mom may make the decision, but it will not be carried out until the father does so or approves it.
The oldest son, typically becomes the patriarch of the family when the father dies. However, that is changing to some degree in America. Family decisions after the father dies, become family decisions where all the kids collectively decide.
In Walworth Co. the people are from the rural areas of their country rather than the cities. They are more timid but willing to work with you once trust is built. Much more discussion and trust needs to take place between city officials and the Hispanic community. Most families are in or below the poverty level.

Systems people live in: Nurturing system is where you learn things of your culture. Your music, food, language, etc. from home. The Sustaining system which is the USA, the system you live in. In the US this is run by rich white men and women. Of all congress persons only Russ Feingold is not a millionaire. Their values clash with the values of Hispanics or other citizens for that matter. Gangs fit in the middle, between these two systems for the kids growing up in America. They don't feel comfortable at home or within the sustaining system, so gangs take up that slack, for better or worse. Religion is also an institution that can bridge that gap to make people more comfortable.

In Walworth Co. the hispanic population comes from more rural areas of their home countries. They are more timid as people, but less jaded so once trust is built they can and will participate.

We should not assume Latinos need help. They may be doing fine. The idea of what can we do to help Hispanics can be very ethnocentric of us and we should be aware of our own prejudices. Look into yourself and look at what you as a white person or as a white culture that we do that could be seen as weird or odd by non-white people. We are all culturally biased. No one has the same cultural program. We have to be aware of our own biases and be willing to recognize them and deal with them.

All relationships are built on Trust, Respect, and Dignity. We should treat all patrons, but especially Hispanics or others not from our culture in this way.

Programming and getting men there can be done by hooking them in by convincing them that we need their wisdom.

Regular programming is key. Once every 3 months will not work for reaching the Hispanic community. Which means we should do regular Spanish story hours or other regular Spanish programming. For any program we have for Hispanics, we should make up certificates of achievement to be passed out at the end. These are very meaningful and shows accomplishment.

All info provided by Ben Ortega who runs the Spanish Center and he has informed me that they are looking to open a branch in Delavan. Until then we can contact or give Spanish patrons their contact info. We can reach the Spanish Center at 262-657-2160. or at spanishcenter@wi.rr.com . Refer people for social services including but not limited to Gang Prevention, parenting, senior citizens, medical. The only thing they don't do is immigration at this time.

We need to build that trust with our patrons by asking them what they want and need and by getting involved in their activities. Don't wait for them, they won't come, we have to make the first step.

Time is more loose in Hispanic cultures. 7:00 means around 7:00 not right at 7:00.

Not looking elders or those of authority in the eye is an act of respect. It's opposite of what we've been taught as Americans.

AND now everyone at the workshop sung happy birthday to me, as Rhonda and Bernie brought me a birthday cake :) It was too cute.

6. Misconceptions about the Library to overcome:
Biblioteca = Library
Libreria= Bookstore
Library materials are for sale.
Public Libraries are only for the educated or for those attending school.
In other countries libraries exist, but you become a paying member as a subscription cost, and THEN things are free to loan out after the subscription is purchased. We need to make it clear that Free really means FREE. Because they could think we're just trying to sell them something they can't afford.
Libraries only provide English materials.
Libraries will divulge personal information to government agencies.

7. Realities Change:
Immigration today is infinitely more difficult to accomplish than before World War II. You had to live in the US for one year and have an American testify you would make a good American. You did not need to take a test, or have papers, or anything like today. It's good perspective to realize what our Spanish patrons might want have to deal with. Not all of them want or need citizenship and this may be a part of it, is that it's too much effort for what it's worth, but for those that do want it, realize it's very difficult and many hoops to jump through.

8. PR possibilities:
Church bulletins.
Word of mouth*
Schools.
Getting involved in the Hispanic organizations.