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Welcome: Library Services to Multi-Lingual Communities in Connecticut: CT Emergency Afghan Evacuee Information

Introduction

The CT State Library, Division of Library Development has formed a CT Public Library Task Force consisting of libraries in communities receiving Afghan refugees. These libraries are Bridgeport Public Library, Ferguson Library, Stamford, New Haven Free Public Library, Public Library of New London, Phoebe Griffin Knowles Library, Old Lyme and Russell Library, Middletown. New Haven Free and Ferguson have existing relationships with IRIS and CIRI. The intent of this sub task force is to identify ways that the CT library community can support the organizations welcoming the refugees and to offer direct services. The Task Force created a draft list of items we can begin working on immediately:

  1. CT State Library will purchase Welcoming Library Kits for CT libraries serving communities receiving refugees. The Welcoming Library is a traveling library of 30 picture books that center around new arrival and new American experiences. The kits will be customized to meet the needs of resettled Afghan refugees.
  2. Task Force member Maisam Nouh, Ferguson Library has been working with refugees and identified the need for picture books, audiobooks and DVDs to help children with English. CT libraries are contacting our publishers to request donations of books and other materials that can be distributed via library welcome kits to families.
  3. Task Force member Yelena Klompus, Ferguson Library works with ESL and ESOL programs and has identified the need for conversation groups in libraries and basic English books for subjects such as banking, jobs, grocery shopping, going to the doctor. CT libraries will request donations of these materials to provide to organizations serving and supporting the refugee families.
  4. CSL will create a resource LibGuide for organizations to identify programs for refugees in their service area for job skills; digital literacy skills; ESL; bilingual story time, and other activities for Afghan families to take part in at their libraries. Safe meeting spaces: telehealth and tele legal pods are also available.
  5. Statewide programs for refugees to attend. As part of the All CT Reads statewide reading program, Task Force members recommended that the invitation be open to refugees to participate in to experience a shared statewide gathering.
  6. Task Force will work on programming such as community conversations and cultural experiences that will welcome the Afghan refugees to participate along with the entire community.

This is just an initial list. As we gather more information from libraries and develop programming and resources, we will share with the EAE Task Force.

Partner Libraries

Ferguson Library offers:

  •  weekly conversation groups for English learners of five levels from basic to advanced via Zoom
  •  collection of books, dvds, playaways, "Talking books" with a book and cd set for English language learners of different level proficiency levels
  •  downloadable audio, films and ebooks helping to learn English
  •  Pronunciator - language learning software
  •  combined web links, list of language networks,  and educational resources available trough our multicultural center page 
  •  free computer classes or individual technological training by appointment
  •  resume/cover letter workshops and job search resources
  •  cultural & ethnic celebrations helping to promote and appreciate cultural diversity and raise awareness of general Stamford population.
  •  list of other community organizations working with English learners, new Americans and immigrants

Learn more about our library services for English learners, new Americans and immigrants from our virtual library tour.

 

Greater Norwalk Literacy Volunteers (GNLV) at Norwalk Public Library
GNLV provides weekly English classes for English language learners. Prospective students are given a written and oral test to determine at which of five levels--from advanced to beginner--they should begin. Our program is not semester based, so it allows flexibility for those who need it due to job changes and childcare needs. Students can switch classes at any time as long as their is a tutor who teaches at their level and is available during the time requested.

GNLV Book Collection
The GNLV department has a large collection of books, DVDs, and CD set for English Language Learners of different level proficiency levels at our Main Library and a smaller collection at our SoNo Branch Library. These items can be searched in our catalog by keyword and by call number.

World Languages DVDs
The GNLV department has a collection of world languages DVDs at both library locations that can be searched in our catalog  keyword  by subject or by call number.

Computer Help
The GNLV department does not offer computer help at present; however, the reference staff at both libraries offer one-on-one help in person and virtually by appointment.

Language Translator
Language Access Plan provides help in a particular language. Call the number that corresponds to the language and a translator will help!

Language Study
https://ct-norwalklibrary2.civicplus.com/497/Language-Study

The Russell Library provides the Middlesex County with:

· Private meeting rooms for adults and young adults

· Weekly English Conversation Group beginning in the Fall of 2022

· Tech help and individual classes by appointment with Book-a-Librarian

· Lawyers in Libraries on the 3rd Tuesday of each month

· Free Notary Services by appointment

· Job and Career support through our Career Center

· Hotspots to check out

Donation Request

We are looking to our library community for donations or any of the following items to share with our Afghan newcomers:

  • Children’s books and materials including picture books, audiobooks, and DVDs, especially those that can help children with learning English
  • Young adult books and materials including those that can support learning English
  • Educational learning toys
  • ESL and ESOL materials to support conversation groups in libraries
  • Basic adult education materials on subjects such as banking, job skills, grocery shopping, going to the doctor, and other basic needs

We at DLD are also reaching out to publishers for donations.  If your library has a strong relationship with a particular publisher, please reach out as well to see if additional donations are possible.

Please contact Dawn La Valle at dawn.lavalle@ct.gov to assist in making arrangements for distribution, or if you have further inquiries or donation ideas.

Many thanks in advance for your efforts and contributions!

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