Library plan sparks debate - Bilingual branches would cater to needs of Hispanic patrons - Articles - CAIR

...Under the [labrary] proposal, all libraries would retain a core of basic services and materials, city librarian Rick Ashton has said. But many collections at a particular branch would be tailored to the interests of its patrons. Among the "service styles" are "Learning and Language" branches with both English and Spanish materials and services. These branches would feature a bilingual staff, more Spanish-language books and magazines, adult classes and language materials for Denver's burgeoning immigrant community.

Other library models would include a children's library and a "contemporary" library, with extensive DVD and CD collections, casual seating and multiple copies of books on shelves, as seen in bookstores.

... the Language and Learning idea has been criticized by those who oppose public services to illegal immigrants and support English as the national language.

"This is America. Our language is English. It's important that our public institutions adhere to a single language," said Fred Elbel, a Lakewood resident and president of Colorado Alliance for Immigration Reform.

The issue has attracted the attention of Rep. Tom Tancredo, the Littleton Republican who is a leading critic of U.S. immigration policy.

In June, Tancredo wrote to Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper. He demanded to know whether the library was shifting toward "Spanish-language only" branches, saying such a change could result in "ethnic separatism." He raised several other questions, including whether books in English were being thrown out to make room for Spanish-language material....

The issue became fodder for talk radio. Complaints that the library was using taxpayer dollars to assist illegal immigrants were voiced at a series of community meetings in July to discuss the possible changes.

Ashton has said the library has a tradition of serving a diverse public, including immigrants from a variety of countries. The proposal to customize branches with "service styles" is simply part of the library's ongoing efforts to better serve the city's changing demographics, he said....

Library officials point to census and school enrollment data that shows a third of Denver households are Hispanics [and what proportion are illegal aliens? - ed.], and 21 percent of them speak Spanish at home. Children from Hispanic families account for more than half of all students in Denver Public Schools.

The library's research shows that the use of Spanish-language materials is increasing, with Spanish magazines having become the most heavily circulated at seven locations.

Ashton, who is celebrating his 20th year as head librarian, said... Focus groups, plus reports from Denver-based Piton Foundation and the Brookings Institute in Washington, D.C., "suggested a change is due," said Ashton....

The Language and Learning idea as well as other service-style proposals will be reviewed next month by the Library Commission and a 50-member advisory board....