While it has been referred to as the most accessible place in Geneva, the Geneva Public Library’s current Strategic Plan prioritizes efforts to become an even more inclusive and welcoming environment. As part of those efforts, the Library recently hired Kiara Rolón-Manso as the new Full-Time Spanish Speaking Library Clerk.
Ms. Rolón-Manso joins the library with a background in community service and tutoring. She helps meet a number of important needs for library patrons, most notably those most comfortable speaking Spanish. She will be on-hand at the Library’s information desks during a variety of hours to help answer questions, assist with library computers, and connect patrons with library materials and services. In addition, the Spanish Speaking Library Clerk position will have essential duties focused on translating library signage, growing the Library’s Spanish language collections and programs, and conducting outreach within the community.
The position is possible thanks to an increase in library tax levy funding approved by voters this past May.
“The Library was excited to see the results of the tax vote because we knew the possibilities it opened up,” noted Library Director Chris Finger. “But we were ecstatic to find someone in the hiring process so perfect for and excited by the position as Kiara.”
Ms. Rolón-Manso started at the Library July 1, and has been busy with both training and a review of the results of a recent survey the Library conducted on the interest in and barriers to library materials and programs in Spanish. One common note in the survey results was that new library users were intimidated by the library card sign up process.
Said Ms. Rolón-Manso, “My hope is to be able to make that process less scary while also educating community members about all of the services that are available, even without a card.”
In conjunction with its Long-Range Initiatives Committee, the Library and Ms. Rolón-Manso are planning several programs, including an open house event designed to introduce new Spanish speaking visitors to the library. More details about that event and other initiatives will be announced in the coming months. Patrons with questions regarding the Library and its service offerings are invited to contact Ms. Rolón-Manso at 315-789-5303, ext. 118 or [email protected]
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