Over 43 million immigrants live in the US, making up about 13% of the nation’s population. The New Americans Library Project explores how public libraries can provide the services these individuals need to thrive.
When immigrants, refugees, and displaced persons first arrive in the United States they frequently turn to public libraries for free and trusted services. More than 55 percent of new Americans use their public library at least once a week, according to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), to access English language learning classes, citizenship and civic educational programs, and a vital support network.
With immigration on the rise, public libraries — and the new Americans they serve — need a plan that prepares them to meet the challenges of our nation’s shifting demographics and ensure equity for all.
Libraries have long had a reputation for supporting healthy communities by providing a range of programs, services, and reference and educational materials. Service to new American populations is an important part of this work.
THE NEW AMERICANS LIBRARY PROJECT
is an initiative of the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, in collaboration with its research partner New Knowledge Organization Ltd.
Funding was provided by The JPB Foundation.
Published June 2019. The New Americans Library Project is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION PUBLIC PROGRAMS OFFICE
50 E. Huron St., Chicago IL 60611
NEW KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION LTD.
40 Exchange Place, Suite 1403, New York, NY 10005
NewKnowledge Publication #NPO.074.518.03.