On Their Turf: Serving Refugees as an Off-Site Outreach Program

Authors

  • Heather Lea Jackson
  • Meisywe M. Cavanaugh
  • Gianna Schwatka
  • Giovanna Sandoval
  • Claudia E. Parra Acevedo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5860/cal.17.1.23

Abstract

Prince George’s County (PGC), Maryland, has been a place of resettlement for more than two thousand refugees, asylees, and those with special immigrant visas (SIVs) since 2012. The PGC Memorial Library System was recently awarded a $3,000 ALSC Light the Way Grant to expand its programming to the refugees in the community.

Developing robust library programming with a refugee community can be challenging—even beyond the obvious challenge presented by language barriers. Cultural differences can be huge barriers. For example, for many Afghani refugees, it is culturally unacceptable for women to leave the apartment complex unless accompanied by a male relative. These male relatives are frequently at work or engaged in work readiness programs, so they are not available to serve as escorts to the library. This means the library must go into the refugee communities rather than expecting them to come to the library.

Author Biographies

Heather Lea Jackson

Heather Jackson is the Area Manager for the Hyattsville, New Carrollton, Bladensburg and Mount Rainier branches of the Prince George’s County (MD) Memorial Library System.

Meisywe M. Cavanaugh

Meisywe M. Cavanaugh is the Librarian III heading the Youth Services department at the New Carrollton Branch Library of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.

Gianna Schwatka

Gianna Schwatka is a member of the Youth Services department at the New Carrollton Branch Library of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.

Giovanna Sandoval

Giovanna Sandoval is a Library Associate in the Youth Services Department of the New Carrollton Branch Library of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.

Claudia E. Parra Acevedo

Claudia E. Parra Acevedo is a Library Associate in the Youth Services Department of the New Carrollton Branch Library of the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System.

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Published

2019-03-14

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2019): Spring

Section

Features

License

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