Collection development: The Hartford, CN Public Library is specific about foreign language materials in its collection development policy, which is based in needs assessment. "Spanish-language and other non-
English works are sought out, purchased, and interfiled with the English materials." The previous phrase is repeated in various sections, including picture books, to emphasize full integration of different language materials with their general collections.
Resources: The Los Angeles Public Library's New Americans Initiative supports immigrants of all statuses with citizenship information available online and in person, along with a list of rights and other resources, all available in Spanish as well.
Taking Action: The Queens Branch of the NYPL has expanded their collections to include over 40 languages as the need arises, partners with non-profits and other agencies to meet the needs of immigrants, and offers workshops for rights and legal issues including DACA as tensions and restrictions increase (Walcott, 2017).
Connecting communities: In order to reach its Latino community in a way that feels natural to them, the Denver Public Library implemented "community learning plazas," drop-in settings which require no registration where attourneys and community members who have experienced immigration issues can come to share their experience (Ruhhlman, 2014).
Changing perceptions: A group of undocumented students from Dartmouth challenged the Library of Congress subject heading "illegal aliens." After getting support from the ALA, they petitioned the Library of Congress, and the term was changed to "noncitizen" or "unauthorized immigrant" (Rivas, 2016).
Participants in a learning plaza at the Denver Public Library. Photo by Will Chan through American Libraries Magazine