Public libraries help immigrants connect with each other

So, no surprise when the first stop for an immigrant to get familiarised with the local community begins at the township’s public library.

Each township, the smallest municipal unit, houses a public library run and maintained by the local tax money. Even in this modern digital age, there are more than 9,000 public libraries across the US, providing a connect besides ‘wowing’ the immigrants, especially those who land from India.

The concept of public libraries is designed for serving the community needs. Therefore, you could be totally mistaken if you thought that you have to be a voracious reader to gain entrance into a public library. At these community-friendly township libraries, there are a lot of offerings besides books. They are the medium of establishing a friendly cushion to an immigrant during the settling down phase. As Sahana Sridhar puts it: “In the initial days, in spite of having everything, a huge sense of loneliness gripped us. During these times these libraries turned out to be our friends – many programmes and lectures conducted here introduced us to new friends in the community.” In a land with no friends or relatives, it is the library that fills the vacuum and lends a space to connect.

Particularly during harsh winters when one cannot find people moving outside their houses, libraries turn into a cozy place where one can find friends. Many free community linking programmes come in handy that benefit the new settlers with a wealth of relevant and timely information. So, no surprise that the first piece of advice that anyone receives on crossing the ocean is ‘to visit the local library’.

They have toddler programmes that engages the kids and parents in a fun way. Formal schooling starts only at the age of five. “Free library programmes all through the week kept my child and I in positive spirits. Typically, my day starts with the one-year-old getting up, dressing and after breakfast, we head to the local library for the ‘mommy and me’ programme.  Singing ‘Wheels on the bus go’ and ‘Here is my tea pot’ with many other kids were just not fun but it prepared us for what to expect in the school system well in advance. It is the best part of my life, as I found many friends who remained in my life,” recollects Radha Venkat, now a mom of a teenager.

“When I was in between jobs, these libraries helped me with access to job search resources, free WIFI, access to computers, meeting rooms to conduct business meeting, copier and fax facilities, all of which make life just so easier,” chips in Rajeshwari.

“Be it the resume writing workshops or other professional help, there are things that I can never forget. For, despite being a professional back home, writing a single page resume to capture all my potential and project my India experience into a marketable one in the US required help. When I was directionless, the professional help and workshops organised by these libraries turned to be a boon. Even in filing my tax return, ready help and access to professionals were available in these libraries,” claims Arvind Raj.

Many educational programmes for middle school and high school kids are always available in these libraries.  Especially during summer, spring and winter breaks, when contests, science and arts programmes, and SAT preparation programmes keep the children engaged.

Most of these programmes are run by local community volunteers for free. As per the need and demand expressed by the community, these programmes are designed and scheduled independently. It is at the discretion of local library to design and approve such programmes. The approval process is transparent; anyone can approach with an idea that connects the community, giving space to mingle and connect.  In townships with rich Indian diaspora the library programmes are always overbooked and have a long waitlist.

If you are wondering that library is all about programmes and not books, you are mistaken again. One is treated like a king when one borrows books. The membership is free and easy on providing the proof of residence. The card allows access to check out over dozens of books, videos and CDs. Online access to reserve books and facility to borrow from any of the connected libraries is a great service. There are libraries that lend Indian language books and magazines, too.

The public library is thus a model that truly connects the local community. The positive networking and connection possibilities are just so immense. To replicate this model will send a strong, positive and vibrant signal to a local community anywhere else. Is anyone listening in India?

The writer is a journalist based in NewYork