Bilingual Library Services Providing Spanish language services cuando no se habla español.

Background According to the latest Santa Clara County Children’s Report and data from the California Department of Education: Less than half of Santa Clara County preschoolers are prepared for kindergarten. – Two factors strongly associated with kindergarten readiness: proficient in English exposed to frequent reading in the home 54% of 3rd graders in the Morgan Hill Unified School District have below average reading proficiency. – A child’s reading level at the end of third grade has been found to be one of the strongest predictors for school success.

Demographics Approximately 20% of the Morgan Hill community identify themselves as speaking Spanish as a first language. Currently, 20% of the local student population is identified as English language learners, with a majority being Spanish-speakers. Last year, 173 children enrolled in kindergarten with English as a second language.

Libros & Cuentos Para Todos Create and implement series of Spanish/English bilingual storytimes. Fund a bilingual librarian on a regular basis. Create or translate publicity that promotes library services to the Spanish speaking community.

Purpose Help prepare preschool-age children for kindergarten by introducing and practicing early literacy skills. Share the benefits of reading with children and their parents or caregivers. Increase awareness and use of library resources by English language learners.

Results Series of 12 bilingual storytimes held in the library. 80 children and their caregivers will have participated. 6 bilingual storytime kits created. 100 adults and their families will be served through Spanish language reference services.

Customers English language learner adults and their families with Spanish as a first language ELL children with Spanish as a first language Children and their caregivers

Progress Spanish language reference service was created. – A bilingual librarian sponsored by our Friends group was hired to work one evening a week. – individuals visit the library weekly specifically for reference service in Spanish. – 117 reference questions were answered in the first 7 months. Met with local agencies that provide services to target group to discuss community needs and collaborative opportunities. ESL class and their families were given an introductory tour of the library building and services.

Progress Bilingual storytime material was purchased, gathered or created. Spanish reader volunteers were recruited and trained. Publicity promoting bilingual storytimes, Spanish reference service, and other library services were translated in to Spanish and distributed to local agencies. 11 bilingual storytimes have been given to date.

Next Steps Continue bilingual storytimes on a regular, weekly basis. Provide bilingual storytimes off-site. Recruit more Spanish reader volunteers. Find new places and ways to promote library services to target group. Investigate starting a conversation club for English language learners. Work with other agencies to provide services to target group.

Success Measures ELL children will increase their early literacy skills, and therefore be better prepared for and successful in school. – Increase in storytime attendance – Families participate on a regular basis – Increase in school readiness for ELL Kindergarteners in the service area. 89% increase in storytime attendance since it became bilingual.

Success Measurement Target group families will be introduced to library resources, and know where to go for their informational or entertainment needs. Significant increase in Spanish language materials circulation. Increase in use of Spanish language reference service. 25% increase 30% increase

Community Impact The library will be considered a valuable community resource and a destination among the target group because: – Our resources and services show we value and celebrate Latino culture. – We provide resources relevant to their lives. – Attending storytimes help improve their children’s early literacy skills.