Library Links!

• Library Links - Events and Classes

Library Links! is a multilingual outreach program of the Minneapolis Public Library, serving as a bridge to the library for new communities. The Bilingual Outreach Liaisons employed through Library Links! connect with new immigrant populations in libraries, at schools, and in the community.

In Libraries

Library Links! helps people feel welcome in the library and offers assistance in using the library. The Bilingual Liaisons explain the programs and services of the Library, like the Homework Helper Program, bilingual story times, and the Hosmer and Franklin learning and technology centers.

Bilingual Outreach Liaisons--

• Are available weekly during scheduled times at these libraries: East Lake, Franklin, Hosmer, North Regional, Northeast, and Sumner
• Give tours and instruction on using the Library to individuals or groups
• Assist patrons in applying for library cards
• Assist patrons in using the Internet or Microsoft Word in the library
• Assist patrons in finding or requesting world language materials from the library collection in a variety of formats
• Offer bilingual storytimes for children in the library
• Provide Spanish language computer classes at Hosmer Library
• Interpret in Hmong, Spanish, or Somali as needed to help new immigrants use the programs and services of the Library

At Schools

The Library Links! staff has a working relationship with the Minneapolis Public Schools and other learning centers to reach new immigrant families.

They visit the schools and attend family events where they display materials of interest to new immigrants, including videos and periodicals from their home countries, pictorial country books, GED materials, job resources, and story books in multiple languages.

Bilingual Outreach Liaisons--

• Visit classrooms
• Attend Parent/Teacher meetings
• Participate in school fairs and festivals

In the Community

Bilingual Outreach Liaisons maintain close communication with a network of community contacts serving new immigrants. They connect with people in the community to tell them about library programs and services.

Bilingual Outreach Liaisons--

• Attend community fairs and festivals serving new immigrant communities
• Visit churches serving new immigrant communities
• Visit English as a Second Language classes

Library Collection

Juvenile, teen, and adult materials in a variety of formats--books, magazines, software, videos, and music CDs--are available in the library in a variety of languages. The collections also support English language learning, life skills, and citizenship preparation, and enhance MPL's ongoing efforts in the areas of literacy, academic achievement, and lifelong learning.

Contact Library Links! Staff

• English: Caitlin Cowan (612) 630-6429
• Spanish: Vicente Viveros (612) 630-6427, Paula Hernandez (612) 630-6426, Monica Valbuena (612) 630-6425, Maria Medina de Smith (612) 630-6423
• Somali: Mohamed Hassan (612) 630-6428, Warsame Shirwa (612) 630-6424, Fatuma Gure (612) 630-6422
• Hmong: Cha Thao (612) 630-6419