Come and Be Welcomed! An Exploration of Library Services to Immigrants and Refugees in the United States

Abstract

The purpose of this poster is to explore the many services and best practices used by public libraries in the United States to provide library and information services to immigrant and refugee populations. Five public libraries are profiled: the Orange County Public Library in Orlando, Florida; the Austin Public Library in Austin, Texas; the Hartford Public Library in Hartford, Connecticut; the Denver Public Library in Denver, Colorado; and the Indianapolis Public Library in Indianapolis, Indiana. Topics covered include English language classes, health information literacy, reading programs, children’s services, job search training, financial literacy, citizenship classes, maker-spaces, and cultural events. In addition, a list of recommended readings for further study on library services to immigrants and refugees is included.