Research in a Local Library

For my observation I went to the Central Branch of the Arlington Public Library. It is located in the neighborhood of Ballston, just west of Washington, DC. It is important to note that Arlington has a large number of Hispanic residents. There are many apartment complexes located and a local elementary school just south of the library.

I found some diversity represented in the books that were displayed. When you walk into the library, the kids section is off to the right. On a bookshelf, there are books that have been either recommended by a librarian or have a thematic importance like a holiday that is happening that time of year.

I was happy to see a fair number of Spanish books available in the recommended section, as well as in other sections of the library, such as books on tapes. Some of the titles I found were:

Sol a Sol by Lori Carlson and Emily Lisker
Yum! MmMm! Que Rico!: America's Sproutings by Pat Mora and Rafael Lopez

Many of the books out were poetry books, since the library is celebrating poetry month during the month of April.

While there were a fair number of books for Spanish speaking children, the library lacked books for those of other ethnicities or cultures besides white. Also, even some of the books for Spanish speakers were English books that had been translated or were authored (it seems based on names) not by native Spanish speakers. While the books convey messages about Spanish culture, it does not appear that they stereotype Hispanic children.

The library is fairly close to the Ballston metro but it would be easier for people to access the library if they had a car. However, the Arlington Public Library does have a few branches so that people can access books even if they are not close to a metro or bus stop.