There may seem few opportunities for Spanish-speaking people at the Camp Verde Community Library, but Library Director Kathy Hellman and Programs and Outreach Coordinator Sebra Choe are working hard to change that perception.
Saturday, April 30, is the 20th Diversity in Action Day. According to its organizers, it is a recognized day “that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds. It is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures.”
Hellman said that the need for outreach is substantial among Latinos in Camp Verde, and so worked with Choe to host a Mexican-themed party for Spanish-speaking families. For this one occasion, she said that she is putting staff in the position of being the ones learning a language, “so that we can feel what it’s like to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes.”
To that end, the library staff will take part in speaking — or just as often guessing — Spanish words. Other events include bilingual story time, a piñata for the kids, a library tour, games, door prizes, music and salsa dancing.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do since I started here four years ago to celebrate DIA,” Hellman said. “The multicultural event is what makes it really fun. I just hope we have room.”
“There are so many reasons for doing this,” Choe added. “We’re aware that the Spanish-speaking community is one of the more under-served populations, so we want to offer more for them. We want to say to them, ‘Hey, we’re family. We’re your local library’ …. The whole point of the party is to break down the barriers.”
