“The Federal Depository Library Program (FDLP) was established by Congress to ensure tha
t the American public has access to its Government's information. Since 1813, depository libraries have safeguarded the public's right to know by collecting, organizing, maintaining, preserving, and assisting users with information from the Federal Government. The FDLP provides Government information at no cost to designated depository libraries throughout the country and territories. These depository libraries, in turn, provide local, no-fee access to Government information in an impartial environment with professional assistance.“As institutions committed to equity of access and dedicated to free and unrestricted public use, the nation's nearly 1,250 depository libraries serve as one of the vital links between 'We the people' and our Government. Anyone can visit Federal depository libraries and use the Federal depository collections which are filled with information on careers, business opportunities, consumer information, health and nutrition, legal and regulatory information, demographics, and numerous other subjects.” (About the FDLP, www.fdlp.gov)
You can check out their video here.
Looking at the directory of FDLP libraries, I found that the following libraries are part of the program: Washington State Library, Bellevue branch of the King County Library System, Seattle Public Library, Highline Community College and several other academic libraries throughout the state, and numerous law libraries. To be honest, I had never heard about this program before, but it’s exciting to learn about. Not only does the Government Printing Office provide the libraries with the documents and information, it also can provide pamphlets and information the library can give to patrons about how government as a whole works and there’s even one geared for kids! That’s pretty amazing if you ask me.
Another facet of the civic mission of public libraries is the assistance many provide in both “English as a Second Language” and how to become a citizen. The majority of public libraries I researched offer ESL classes and information; many of them even have events where people can practice their conversational English skills in an informal setting. There are podcasts, databases and often links to other information as well offered on many public libraries’ Web sites. One public library I found – Kitsap Regional Library – even offers information about becoming a citizen. They have exam preparation tools including DVDs and databases.
Libraries across the country are part of an annual event called “El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day) -- also known as Día. Each year, it is held on April 30 and includes bilingual storytimes, book giveaways, and other family and literacy events. The day is aimed at partnering with parents and other caregivers to help raise enthusiastic readers among Spanish-speaking families. The event is coordinated by ALA’s Association for Library Service to Children and was originally started by children’s author Pat Mora in 1996. (ALA)
