To Reach Non-English Speakers, Greenville, SC, Library Produces Film
For many, even international businesspeople, the public library is unfamiliar
Lynn Blumenstein -- Library Journal, 06/02/2009
- Project funded by Dollar General; ALA-administered
- Cost $7500 to produce
- Focused on explaining borrow/return concept
The Greenville County Library System (GCLS), SC, has reached out to its unique mix of foreign-born patrons 
by producing the short film, "Welcome to Your Public Library." The production is meant for use by any English-language-instruction-organization (including public libraries) and the "variety of agencies that interface with the international community."
The project was funded by a $5000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and administered by the American Library Association. The American Dream Starts @ Your Library initiative so far has helped 34 public libraries in 17 states offer increased literacy services to adult learners of the English language.
The eight-and-a-half-minute film ultimately cost $7500 and took about a year to produce, GCLS communications manager Trinity Behrends told LJ.
Literacy pros vetted script
Behrends was responsible for writing the script, but passed it by two literacy associations to make sure to present key concepts in an accessible way.
The film opens with, "The American public library is similar to a movie rental store, but free!" Potential patrons may not understand that the word "borrow" as a concept includes the concept of return, explained Behrends. The film stresses that borrowing is temporary and requires permission, along with the promise to return the item(s).
International corporate audience
Greenville is the home of the U.S. headquarters for Michelin and BMW, based in France and Germany, respectively. "They might be highly educated, here on business," she said, "but there still is a cultural adjustment."
Accordingly, the languages German and French plus Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese appear in the film where key phrases (borrow, return) need to be emphasized and understood. The film also emphasizes how to get a library card, sign up for a password to access online services, and explains the concepts of due dates, fines, and renewals.
Hired university film crew
It wasn't simple to find a production crew available to shoot in 11 locations over two to three months. The library made the most of its budget by using interns and hiring a film crew from nearby Bob Jones University.
Besides two paid actors, the remaining cast consisted of library staffers and students. Behrends is the narrator and appears in the opening scene.
Film available to all
The final version of the film will have English subtitles. It can be purchased for $8.95 by contacting Behrends at tbehrends@greenvillelibrary.org; 864 527-9235. Alternatively, "anyone can use it off the YouTube site," said Behrends.
