The Westfield Library Foundation recently purchased 172 new Spanish-language books for Westfield Washington Public Library as part of an effort to promote literacy and cultural representation among the city’s growing Hispanic population.
Westfield Library Foundation board member Anuar Velazquez said the collection offerings are an investment for Westfield.
“Increasing the representation of authors and books in Spanish is crucial for our Spanish-speaking students and citizens, including those learning the language,” Velazquez stated. “When people read in a language spoken at home, it not only boosts literacy but also instills pride in their cultural identity.”
Velazquez, 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 stated. “I know firsthand how transformative access to resources can be.”
While the collection is for all ages, the foundation focused on family-friendly titles to help Spanish-speaking families engage with one another while reading.
“We are committed to making the library a welcoming hub,” Westfield Library Foundation Executive Director Erin Downey stated. “We hope this new collection fosters inclusivity and allows communities that may have felt marginalized to see themselves in the stories they read.”
The library also recently enhanced its outreach efforts to Spanish-speaking families by offering English language classes and Spanish story times.
Learn more at wwpl.lib.in.us.
