Search and You Shall Find

Bilingual libraries by themselves are not as common as one would hope. A wonderful example would be the Biblioteca Latinoamericana Branch Library in San Jose, CA which will be celebrating 15 years serving the Latino community this November 15, 2014.

Bilingual bookstores, not simply small corners within a Barnes and Nobles, are also rare. Through research two successful, thriving bilingual bookshare/bookstores with similar demographics as Stockton, CA are Libros Schmibros, in Los Angeles, CA in the heart of the Boyle Heights neighborhood and La Casa Azul Bookstore in East Harlem, NY.

Ethnic museums fortunately are more common. Several long standing museums include The Mexican Museum in San Francisco, CA, The African American Museum & Library at Oakland (AAMLO) in Oakland, CA and the California Historical Museum in San Francisco, CA. Such museums, those that are focused on a specific culture, are rare however in the San Joaquin Central Valley areas.

Stockton deserves to have similar resources available to families and scholars eager to learn of the Latino heritage. 

If you believe this as well, please continue to support our project, share the news and let Stockton City Officials know!

Knock, Knock

When you keep knocking eventually a door will open.

Library and Literacy Foundation of San Joaquin County established in 1990, supports "programs that foster literacy and support the power of reading." First supporting the Stockton-San Joaquin Public Library Adult Literacy program, they have since expanded to include various family and community activities such as their annual Trivia Bee and participation with Family Day in the Park.

Masood Cajee, one of the Foundation's Directors, followed up with Richard Soto and I recently to discuss our intentions for the bilingual library and museum. Masood and Photographer/Author Robert Dawson toured Biblioteca San Joaquin Mueritta; they walked through the halls and basement filled with books, magazines, albums, dvds and art work.

Masood gave several examples of public library systems with successful specialized libraries such as The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture a research unit of the New York City Public Library.

Could a Latino bilingual library and museum in Stockton follow a similar framework and be a part of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library resource? Yes!

We have agreed to partner our project with the Foundation's plan to improve our Stockton-San Joaquin Public Library resources. We couldn't be more excited!  This is a positive step toward making our bilingual library and museum a reality!

One Foot in Front of the Other

One Foot in Front of the Other

Between March and May 2014, I held a series of weekly planning meetings. Sometimes several people showed; a couple of times it was just me.

Besides Richard Soto and myself, several people met with us to discuss the idea of a bilingual library. I’m thankful to Bridget Childs, Research Attorney, who attended most meetings, has been very helpful providing insight, suggesting next steps and possibilities. I appreciate Nathan Worth, Grant Writer, who initially got me to document our intentions in order to search for grants. Also agreeing with me that the “money is out there”. Happily thankful to Saul Mora, retired educator, his wife and also his son, all very supportive in our initial meeting in March. Immensely grateful to Debbie Hernandez, who though her support, lead to the Stockton Record article by Rodger Phillips that drummed up community support of which I am still receiving emails about today!

After taking time off during the early summer weeks we tried to start up our meetings again. For some reason or another we just couldn’t “get the ball rolling” again. It was during that lull in momentum that I stepped back to look at the big picture. I looked over the notes gathered from each meeting. Those notes had formed a basic business plan! After organizing all of our thoughts on paper, we created a business plan for our bilingual library and Latino museum. Our ideas had formed into focus and direction.

Not Too Long Ago...

How do ideas start? Who do you tell first? 

   

This was my way of announcing my idea to my husband in August 2013. After having that thought on my mind for a couple of months, I finally decided to say it out loud. From then on, it's been one brave step after another.

Though my blog posts are few inbetween, there has been much progress. I'll happily share the milestones in upcoming posts. 

Support is Motivating

Support continues to grow for a bilingual library and museum in Stockton, CA. One of the first people, outside of my family, I shared my idea with was Stockton Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina of District 5. District 5 includes the Fair Oaks Neighborhood, the area of Stockton which desperately needs a library.
From that first day, as I excitedly shared my idea, to now having a written formidable plan, Dyane has been helpful, patient, and most of all encouraging.

Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina speaks to a crowd 

at the Put Stockton First Kick Off on February 1, 2014. 

Stepping out with an idea can be intimidating. During this process, there have been lulls, delays and set backs. But it's all a part of a learning process. Each pause was a moment to look at the successes and progress of other worthy causes in my community, such as Put Stockton First. These moments reassured me that all projects take time but I need to keep moving forward! 

Thank you Councilmember Dyane Burgos-Medina for your support and motivation! 

Planning and Puzzles

Planning a project is like working on a puzzle; you can only go so far with the pieces you have. Today's planning meeting began at the Stribley Park Community Center in Stockton, CA. Another step in the right direction, and another piece to our puzzle is set into place. Progress toward a bilingual library and museum continues!

This is the latest in a series of meetings held since April, 2014. We have the full support of our district area Councilwoman Dyane Burgos-Medina. We have a resourceful grant writer, Nathan Werth, committed to helping our project. We have direct support of several teachers, school administrators and businesses in this area not to mention the countless family and friends who have cheered on this process from the beginning.

I will post regular updates to our progress in the coming days. I admit maintaining a blog is a juggling act. I applaud all Bloggers out there for the work they do! It's not as easy as it looks.

"We Need Diverse Books!"

On May 1, 2014, we join the public call for action supporting diversity in Literature! We Need Diverse Books Tumblr blog gives you all the details how to announce from the hilltops - or your laptops - "We need diverse books!"

Many people & organizations promote diversity, bilingual, multi-cultural literature; it's exciting to see all come together to be a part of this campaign for the next 3 days as one voice. 

May 2, 2014 - Twitter chat is scheduled for 11pm (PST) using the #WeNeedDiverseBooks. Share your thoughts on diversity in literature and why it matters!

May 3, 2014 11am (PST) It's time to "Diversify Your Shelves"! This is to encourage you to buy diverse books! Hello! Let's work our purchasing power mi gente! Go out to bookstores, new or used and of course your local libraries, and ask for their favorite diversity picks! Talk to a librarian, they love answering questions! Trust me I know this.

We know diversity in literature matters in Stockton, CA. We want to see our children and adults reading, connecting with characters they can relate to and sparking interest. The positive outcomes are so obvious! Let's do our part to shout! shout! shout! "We need diverse books!"

Support near & far

No one will say a library is a bad idea. In fact, not 1 person would disagree with the effort to reopen the Fair Oaks Library. Here are 2 published articles, local & national, in our support; Stockton's local newspaper The Record and ELLA Institute's Latinas Think Big. The latter is a national platform "showcasing Latina innovation and ambition". Let's continue this momentum and ask our Stockton government to take the Fair Oaks Library off of the surplus list!

Book by book building your personal library

I know all too well the bilingual section at popular book stores, i.e. Barnes & Noble, is extremely small not to mention pricey. Please take a look below at a good list of Children & Teen Latino books under $10, in paperback and available now! These will encourage your young ones to start reading about characters & places they can relate to.

Where the Flame Trees Bloom by Alma Florada

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau

Brujas, Lechuzas y Esparitos by Alonso M Perales

Ice Dove and other stories by Diane De Anda

Benito Runs by Justine Fontes

The Legend of the Poinsettia by Tomie dePaola

Tomas and the Library Lady by Pat Mora

Winner Takes All by Jenna Santana

The Maldonado Miracle by Theodore Taylor

Cruzando de Pacifico by Gary Soto

Whole Sky Full of Stars by Rene Saldana Jr

Nerlandia by Gary Soto

Esparanda Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Long Shot by Mike Lupica

Any Small Goodness: A Novel of the Barrio by Tony Johnson

Abuelita’s Heart by Amy Cordova

These affordable books can be purchased online bookstores such as http://www.valorebooks.com/ or http://www.amazon.com/. 

Take a peek....

I was so excited to have a look inside the Fair Oaks Library building! My worst thoughts were all put to rest when I walked in and looked at the awesome condition this 9,900 sq ft building is still in. It seems to be quietly waiting for the day it can reopen its doors to families again.

Of Biblioteca San Joaquin Murrieta Library

After asking many questions among my family and friends, I was introduced to another person here in Stockton who also shares the idea of a bilingual library. Richard Soto, not only has an extraordinary collection of Latino Chicano historical books, but also valuable artifacts, music and movies. His long time vision is shared through his website - Biblioteca San Joaquin Murrieta Library

It is a wonderful learning experience working with Mr Soto. He explains the library name "Biblioteca San Joaquin Murrieta Library" is a play with words combining our County name "San Joaquin" and the historical figure "Joaquin Murrieta".

With his help, not only can we begin to build a bilingual library, we can also share our Latino history through art and music in a museum-like atmosphere.

I am grateful he has agreed to being a partner in reviving the Fair Oaks Library!