Expanding collection designed to meet the needs of growing Hispanic population
The Westfield Library Foundation (WLF) recently purchased 172 new Spanish-language books for the Westfield Washington Public Library as part of an effort to promote literacy and cultural representation among the city’s growing Hispanic population.
Anuar Velazquez, a WLF board member and a dedicated advocate for the community, emphasized the importance of this investment.
Velazquez
“Increasing the representation of authors and books in Spanish is crucial for our Spanish-speaking students and citizens, including those learning the language,” Velazquez said. “When people read in a language spoken at home, it not only boosts literacy but also instills pride in their cultural identity.”
Velazquez, who is himself a first-generation immigrant, is passionate about ensuring that families feel welcomed and empowered.
“My journey has inspired me to find ways to connect with these families,” he said. “I know firsthand how transformative access to resources can be.”
The new books are for the young and old, with a focus on children, to ensure that families can engage with literature together.
Downey
“We are committed to making the library a welcoming hub,” WLF Director Erin Downey said. “We hope this new collection fosters inclusivity and allows communities that may have felt marginalized to see themselves in the stories they read.”
In addition to the new collection, the library has recently enhanced its outreach efforts to Spanish-speaking families by offering English language classes and Spanish story times.