Serving Spanish-Language Patrons—A Q&A with Yolanda Bonitch

by Ximena Diego -- Críticas, 7/15/2008

Críticas has decided to take a look at how public libraries around the country are serving their Spanish-speaking patrons. This is the first of an occasional series.

The New York Public Library (NYPL) spent approximately $130,000 last year on Spanish-language titles for children and holds some 100,000 of them (including bilingual titles) Yolanda Bonitch, one of NYPL’s Principal Outreach Librarians, plays a key role in marketing and expanding the collection.

Your decision on what titles to buy for the NYPL affect what Spanish-speaking children can read in libraries throughout the city. What factors influence your monthly purchases?

We look for the best in illustrations and literature. We depend on vendors to show us new titles and the books that are selected need to meet the same criteria used for English-language books. The decision is naturally subjective, but factors considered include quality of illustrations, an interesting story, sufficient facts for nonfiction titles, and obviously the budget. Requests from patrons, schools, and the curricula definitely enter into the selection process. We try to honor these requests as much as possible. Children’s librarians are very aware of school assignments.

Where do you buy your Spanish-language material?

We purchase our children’s materials basically from two local vendors who are familiar with NYPL’s criteria. At various times other vendors are also used.

When purchasing the books, do distributors pitch you certain titles, or do you first get your information on what is available from somewhere else and then request specific titles?

It works both ways. We do make special requests and distributors show us newly published titles that they would like to sell. We do not accept all the titles the vendors show us. Some are rejected due to poor quality of illustrations, boring stories, etc.

In 2004, Críticas ran an article that commented on the lack of original Spanish-language children’s titles being published in the United States—most of the titles were coming from Spain and Latin America. Have things changed in the last four years?

Most original Spanish-language children’s titles continue to come from Spain and Latin America and are in general of high quality. These countries also publish Spanish translations of award-winning books from other countries. However, we do see more quality titles portraying the Latino experience being published in the United States in English and in Spanish, often as bilingual books. The American Library Association (ALA) and REFORMA’s Pura Belpré Awards for text and illustrations have done much to encourage Latino author/illustrators to publish.

[Bonitch was named the 2007 Pura Belpré Librarian of the Year by REFORMA's Northeast Chapter.]

What books are difficult to find anywhere in Spanish?

We do not have enough books on American History, American biographies, math and science experiments.

Some school libraries refrain from buying children’s books that show naked butts or mermaids without tops (even when the illustrations are cartoonlike drawings). Do public libraries face similar constraints?

Public libraries have criteria for selecting books. Quality illustrations and an engaging story take priority. We try to select books that are age-appropriate for children. Lack of clothing in an illustration does not necessarily make us refrain from selecting a book. We are sensitive to parental concerns and we attempt to choose books that will enrich children in their reading enjoyment.

What have your youngest patrons been requesting lately?

The youngest patrons often request Spanish translations of popular English language books, such as the “Arthur” books, etc.

Do Spanish-speaking kids use libraries the same way that other kids do?

Spanish-speaking children use the library in the same way that other children do. Children are children. There are areas where Spanish-speaking people do not use the library. This may be due to the fact that they come from countries where public libraries are not available and thus, they are unfamiliar to them.

Is there still a stigma associated with Spanish-language books for kids? Do Spanish-speaking parents prefer to borrow English-language titles for their kids so they can be part of the mainstream?

There still seems to be a slight stigma. Some children appear to be embarrassed about reading in Spanish. Many parents need to be encouraged to promote Spanish literacy in their homes. They seem to be relieved when a librarian points out some great Spanish books for their children.

What activities and outreach programs have proved successful with Hispanic families?

Musical programs for the whole family are much appreciated. Parent workshops in schools and community agencies have been well attended. Years ago we had a series of “Family Literacy” programs which proved very successful. They included a variety of activities similar to but not as good as the “Para los Niños” program of the Children’s Museum of Houston and Houston Public Library.

Ideally, what would be the role of public libraries in the lives of young Hispanics and Latinos?

The library should become a place where Hispanics and Latinos feel comfortable and motivated to enrich themselves with all the resources it offers.