Course Information
| Session |
|---|
| Credits | 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs |
|---|---|
| Registration dates | We accept registrations through the first week of classes, unless enrollment is full, and unless the class was canceled before it started due to low enrollment. |
Serving English Language Learners in the Library: Foundations for Inclusive Public Service
$250.00
Dates: January 5 - February 1Credits: 1.5 CEUs or 15 PDHs
Libraries are one of the few public spaces where everyone is welcome—but for patrons with little or no English language skills, that welcome can be hard to feel. This 4-week course helps library workers develop the empathy, awareness, and practical tools needed to confidently support English Language Learners (ELLs) in day-to-day interactions and program planning.
Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and low-pressure skill-building, participants will explore the human experience of navigating the library with limited English. Together, we’ll practice respectful communication strategies, examine culturally inclusive outreach methods, and learn how to serve with compassion—especially when patrons may be facing stress, trauma, or unfamiliar systems.
No prior experience or second language skills are required. This course centers real-life connection over perfection and supports all levels of library staff in building more inclusive and welcoming public service practices.
What You’ll Learn: (Outcomes)
• How language barriers affect library access and belonging
• Simple, clear communication tools you can use right away
• Ideas for programs, signage, and partnerships that invite participation
• Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive service strategies
• Ways to stay grounded and resilient while serving diverse communities
Course Description
Libraries are one of the few public spaces where everyone is welcome—but for patrons with little or no English language skills, that welcome can be hard to feel. This 4-week course helps library workers develop the empathy, awareness, and practical tools needed to confidently support English Language Learners (ELLs) in day-to-day interactions and program planning.
Through guided reflection, real-world examples, and low-pressure skill-building, participants will explore the human experience of navigating the library with limited English. Together, we’ll practice respectful communication strategies, examine culturally inclusive outreach methods, and learn how to serve with compassion—especially when patrons may be facing stress, trauma, or unfamiliar systems.
No prior experience or second language skills are required. This course centers real-life connection over perfection and supports all levels of library staff in building more inclusive and welcoming public service practices.
What You’ll Learn: (Outcomes)
• How language barriers affect library access and belonging
• Simple, clear communication tools you can use right away
• Ideas for programs, signage, and partnerships that invite participation
• Trauma-informed and culturally sensitive service strategies
• Ways to stay grounded and resilient while serving diverse communities
Loida Garcia-Febo
Loida Garcia-Febo is a Puerto Rican American librarian and International Library Consultant with 24 years of experience as an expert in library services to diverse populations and human rights. President of the American Library Association 2018-2019. Garcia-Febo is worldwide known for her passion about diversity, communities, sustainability, innovation and digital transformation, library workers, library advocacy, wellness for library workers, and new librarians about which she has taught in 44 countries. In her job, she helps libraries, companies and organizations strategize programs, services and strategies in areas related to these topics and many others. Recently Garcia-Febo started a partnership with the San Jose State University iSchool where she is its first Health and Wellness Ambassador. Garcia-Febo has a Bachelors in Business Education, Masters in Library and Information Sciences. Learn more at her website: loidagarciafebo.wordpress.com
How to Register
To enroll yourself or other participants in a class, use the “Register” button that follows the description of each course. If the “Register” button does not show up, try loading the page in a different web browser. Contact us if you have technical difficulties using our shopping cart system or would like to pay for an enrollment using another method. On the payment page in the shopping cart system, there is a place to add notes, such as the names and email addresses of participants you wish to enroll. We will contact you to request this information in response to your processed payment if you do not include it in the “notes” field. Prior to the start of the workshop, we will send participants their login instructions.Payment Info
Our shopping cart system allows you to pay with a credit card or with PayPal.Alternatively, if it is an institutional payment, we can arrange to invoice you. Contact us by email, and we can make arrangements to suit your institution's business processes.
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