Community connectors
As downtown Little Rock and the metro area continue to grow and attract residents from varying backgrounds, one organization is working to make its offerings more inclusive to underserved communities.
As part of a strategic plan, which was adopted in 2019, the Central Arkansas Library System hired Maria Aguilar and Jessica McDaniel in May as community liaisons to increase the library system’s outreach to the Latinx and African-American communities of central Arkansas.
“We’re dedicated to helping all people fulfill their needs and reach their full potential,” said David Stricklin, director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for CALS. “Jessica and Maria have already proven themselves invaluable members of our team, working to remove barriers that might limit communication and access to library services and resources.”
McDaniel said she was excited to take on the opportunity to expand CALS’ reach in the area. She said that previously, as a patron of the library system, she had noticed that the audiences for its programming did not reflect the diversity of the city.
“I would be at a kids program at the main branch sometimes on a Saturday morning, and me and my son would be the only minority family there,” she said. “I definitely think that they identified something that needed to be turned around and actually decided to do something about it.”
Aguilar, who is originally from Mexico, said that changing demographics in the area creates the requirement for employees
who can understand and acknowledge the needs of Spanish speakers.
“Comfortability with bilingual staff members has proven to help Spanishspeaking students achieve their educational goals,” Aguilar said. “The families tend to ask for more assistance if they know the staff understands their needs.”
Aguilar, who was previously the community outreach specialist for the Department of Community Affairs at the Mexican Consulate in Little Rock, said that as an immigrant, libraries have been a fundamental instrument for her family, but the language barrier can often make Spanish speakers afraid to visit a library. The library system has worked to increase its bilingual programming with workshops and programs, such as virtual English classes, citizen and immigrant bilingual classes, bilingual literacy programs, bilingual financial-literacy programs, a bilingual culinary medicine program and bilingual story times.
“[The reaction has] been very positive. They are feeling welcome, and they are very interested in us and know more about our programs and services,” Aguilar said. “We have managed to have [high attendance] in the programs we have organized.”
McDaniel, who grew up in Lee County, said libraries have always been a part of her life. She said she enjoys being able to meet with organizations and clubs to find out what they might need from their local libraries. She said many people have great ideas about programming or community needs, but they don’t know whom to talk to at CALS to initiate the ideas.
“Now they have a direct link from their community through me and Maria to departments within CALS, where they can foster relationships and do programming or seek out assistance,” McDaniel said.
Both agreed that it is also important that their respective communities understand all the services that CALS offers. One of the big programs is Grab and Go Meals, which offers meals at many locations for children ages 18 and younger. Library patrons can also get access to the internet, printing services, notary services, DVDs, music and much more.
The CALS’ Rock It! Lab is another program that is designed to promote entrepreneurship, especially in underresourced communities, McDaniel said. The Rock It! Lab helps aspiring business owners with free information and resources. The lab is at the main branch in downtown Little Rock, but she said she makes sure to remind the people she visits with that all of CALS resources are available across the system, not just to those who are downtown.
“I’ve definitely been trying to really push the idea to get outside of your neighborhood, come downtown, have a walk around and bring the kids by the library,” she said. “We have a great teen floor, a kids floor, and [they can] kind of make a day activity out of it where you’re not spending a lot of money, and you can get out and enjoy [downtown].”
“Jessica and Maria have already proven themselves invaluable members of our team, working to remove barriers that might limit communication and access to library services and resources.” — David Stricklin, director of strategic partnerships and community engagement for the Central Arkansas Library System