Spanish for Libraries

Language Access

Colorado State Library supports Colorado libraries have the resources, materials, and education to ensure access to Coloradans with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) and provide equitable services and resources to all current and potential library users. Materials have been created, shared, and available for editing by local libraries based on the needs of Coloradans as assessed using key demographics. This website and all resources created to support language access and equity at Colorado libraries has been done so following guidance for serving LEP individuals from IMLS and the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice. 

• Language Access Toolkit (PDF) by Global Wordsmiths
• Services to Spanish Speakers on Libraries Learn (learning content, resources) 

Materials for Public Libraries

English Posters & Flyers

• In the Library, 8x11, Blue (PDF)
• In the Library, 11x17, Blue (PDF)
• In the Library, 8x11, White (PDF)
• In the Library, 11x17, White (PDF)

Spanish Posters & Flyers 

• En la biblioteca, 8x11, Azul/ Blue (PDF)
• En la biblioteca, 11x17, Azul/ Blue (PDF)
• En la biblioteca, 8x11, Blanco/ White (PDF)
• En la biblioteca, 11x17, Blanco/ White (PDF)

Buttons 

• Yo hablo, 2.25" button (PDF) 

Demographics & Population Research 

• Languages Spoken at Home - Colorado (PDF) 
• Language Learning Databases in Colorado Libraries (PDF)
• American Community Survey from US Census Bureau 
• Colorado State Demography Office 2020 Census Interactive Map 

Resources for Creating Spanish-Language Materials

• Spanish Styleguide from Denver Public Library (PDF)
• Forms, Flyers, & User Instruction guides from SOL (Spanish in Our Libraries)
• Typing Spanish Accents (StudySpanish) – scroll down to “Typing Cryptic Codes” for Alt+ codes
• Typing Spanish Accents (Oregon State Library)

Programming Resources for Hispanohablantes/ Spanish-speakers

• [Coming soon] Emerging Adult Readers Resource & Book Club Kit from Colorado State Library 
• Book Club Kits from Colorado State Library
  • Libros en español / Books in Spanish 
• CALMA (Colorado Alliance of Latino Mentors and Authors) member authors with contact, location, and information including books, genres, and websites

Language Translation Services 

• Community Language Cooperative 
• Colorado Interpreters and Translators Association
• The Interpreter Network from Spring Institute 
• Colorado Language Connection 
• Language Link

Organizations & Partners

• REFORMA  - REFORMA is the national association to promote library and information services to Latinos and the Spanish speaking.  
  • ​REFORMA Colorado
• ¡Colorín Colorado! - A bilingual site for English language learners, their educators, and their families geared to early and young readers/ children. 
• CALMA (Colorado Alliance of Latino Mentors and Authors)

Español for Library Folx 

Español for Library Folx is a six-week language learning community and conversation circle for library staff in the state of Colorado, hosted by Colorado State Library. This community is not a Spanish language course, nor is it intended to substitute for formal Spanish language instruction. It is intended for beginning to intermediate Spanish speakers or speakers with basic conversational fluency who work in library spaces and want to learn and practice Spanish contextualized for library work. Cohorts meet weekly over a six-week period to learn and/or practice terms and phrases relevant to library work and library spaces. Sessions will provide the opportunity for peer-learning and practice in a non-judgmental, supportive space. 

The program will include:

• Hour-long sessions once weekly for six weeks via Zoom
• Support for accessing and utilizing Spanish language learning materials
• Basic vocabulary for: Customer Service, Getting a Library Card, Circulation, Events, Reference, Technology
• Opportunities to practice basic library service-centered Spanish with other learners in library contexts

Learn more about Español for Library Folx (PDF) 

Vocabulary Lists

• Week 2 Vocabulary (PDF)
• Week 3 Vocabulary (PDF)
• Week 4 Vocabulary (PDF)
• Week 5 Vocabulary (PDF)
• Week 6 Vocabulary (PDF) 

Reading Materials

• Soñadores, por Yuyi Morales – Read aloud in Spanish  
• Lola en la Biblioteca, por Anna McQuin y Rosalín Beardshaw – Read aloud in Spanish  
• La Llama Llamo Rojo Pijama, por Anna Dewdney – Read aloud in Spanish  

Additional Language Learning Materials

• The New Spanish for Librarians from REFORMA (PDF)
• Infopeople's Survival Spanish for Library Staff
  • Link to streaming audio
  • Vocabulary and phrases companion material (PDF)
• Language Learning Databases in Colorado Libraries (PDF)
  • Mango and Transparent databases have learning tracks for library staff and librarians
  • Mango is available through Denver Public Library's databases. E-cards are open to any applicants regardless of location and retain perpetual access permissions. 
• StudySpanish (free)