The Path to U.S. Citizenship Can Start at Public Libraries
Friday, March 23, 2018, 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
Pennsylvania Convention Center, 109 AB
Over 55% of immigrants use public libraries at least once a week, and libraries are finding new and innovative ways to serve them. Since 2013, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has formally partnered with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to bring federal resources to libraries serving these populations. Find out what successful implementation looks like in a range of libraries, and learn about resources that you can start using today.
At the end of this session, participants will:
1: Have a greater understanding of immigrants' use of public libraries and their needs 2: Know specific services and programs they can offer at their libraries to help immigrants in their communities, and how to set them up 3: Discover how to find official, trusted information on immigration and citizenship and will learn about the materials available for public libraries
The session organizer(s) identified this session as appropriate for:
Level 2: People with some knowledge, who want to increase their understanding.
This session will have: Medium interaction (example: single speaker/panel with questions or discussion throughout)
Handouts: Download 1
Track: Play
Tags: Serving Adults, Adult Services, Civic Engagement, Diversity, Government Documents and Services, Programming/Services
Presenters
Sandra Toro, Senior Program Officer
Institute of Museum and Library Services , Washington , DC
Sandra Annette, Toro, Ph.D. is a Senior Program Officer in the Office of Library Services-Discretionary Programs at the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Dr. Toro is the lead program officer for the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services Grant programs and provides support for learning research projects for the National Leadership Grants for Libraries and the Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Grant programs.
Karisa Tashjian, Education Director
Providence Public Library , Providence , RI
Karisa Tashjian joined the Providence Public Library in 2004 and is now the Director of Education. She is passionate about the important role libraries play in our communities.
Michelle Gordon, Community Librarian
Fresno County Public Library , Fresno , CA
Michelle Gordon is a Community Librarian for the WoW! (WithOut Walls) division of the Fresno County Public Library. WoW!?s work is centered on bringing library services out into the community. Michelle's subject focus is immigration and citizenship. Michelle has created Citizenship Corners throughout Fresno County Library branches, organized numerous Citizenship Ceremonies and provided several immigration-focused programs through the library and her strong community partnerships.
Nathaniel Eddy, Strategy Coordinator
Free Library of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA
Nate began his career with the Free Library in 2005 and served as an Adult/Teen Librarian at various Neighborhood Libraries throughout the city. In 2013, he joined the newly created Strategic Initiatives Department as Strategy Coordinator and has worked to advance the objectives of the library's strategic plan,including services and programming for new Americans, among others.
Tiffany Nardella, Special Projects Manager
Free Library of Philadelphia , Philadelphia , PA
Tiffany is the Special Projects Manager and the Chair of the New Americans Committee at the Free Library of Philadelphia. She manages the 21st Century Library Initiative Grant and works with The Free Library and Philadelphia School District's Building Bridges with Books Grant (IMLS) in addition to being a member of the All Staff Day Committee.
Laura Patching, Chief
Office of Citizenship , DC
Laura Patching leads federal initiatives to promote the rights, responsibilities, and importance of U.S. citizenship. She oversees the development of citizenship education resources, training and outreach initiatives, and agency engagement on immigrant assimilation.