Librarians
The library can be a lifeline for English language learners and their families who are new to this country or who speak multiple languages. Learn more about serving ELLs and their families in school libraries and public libraries from the following resources and videos. Visit our Books and Authors section for book recommendations, as well as our Multicultural Literature section for additional ideas.
Featured Articles
- Literacy Strategies for Librarians in Diverse Communities
- Resources for Librarians: Serving ELLs and Their Families
Related Video
Books and Booklists
Guides and Toolkits
Research and Reports
Library Services for Immigrant Families
Welcoming new immigrants
- Resource Section: Serving New Immigrants in Libraries (ALA)
- The American Dream Starts @ your library: Print and Digital Resources
- Librarian's Toolkit for Responding Effectively To Anti-Immigrant Sentiment (REFORMA)
Services in Spanish
- REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking
- Serving Spanish Speakers: Outreach, Training, and Programming (WebJunction)
Related blog posts
- Helping English Language Learners and Their Families Discover the Joys of the Library (First Book Blog)
More Professional Resources
Reports and Guidelines
- The Importance of Diversity in Library Programs and Material Collections for Children (ALSC)
- Guidelines for Library Services to Spanish-Speaking Library Users (ALA)
- Serving Non-English Speakers in U.S. Public Libraries (ALA)
Related ALA Affiliates
- American Indian Library Association
- Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association
- Black Caucus of the American Library Association
For a list of other affiliates, take a look at ALA's current affiliate listing.
Most Popular
ELL News
- Libraries Can Be More Than Just BooksThe New York Times| September 29, 2017
- Santa Barbara Public Library System Receives $10,000 Grant for Bilingual Children's BooksEdhat| July 21, 2017
- Kid-Approved Themes for Spanish and Bilingual Storytimes | Libro por libroSchool Library Journal| June 05, 2017
- Local Heroes: Librarians Address Inequity Where They See ItSchool Library Journal| May 08, 2017