Rockford Public Library will offer a series of programs in the spring targeted to Spanish-speakers. These programs, along with books, videos, and other resources recently purchased by RPL, were funded by an Illinois State Library LSTA (Library Science and Technology Act) grant to provide materials and programs that meet the needs of Rockford’s growing Latino population. Specifically, this grant will help RPL connect Latino users with a wealth of resources and programs for hobbyists of every interest. Programs will focus on gardening, cooking and automobile repair, restoration and customization.
“Considering the growth of the Latino population in Rockford, we felt it was very appropriate to provide some of the entertainment/hobby related materials in Spanish,” said Frank Novak, Executive Director of Rockford Public Library. “We find that in addition to valuable resources to learn English, prepare a resume, or earn a degree, the entertainment-related Spanish collection circulates very well. We think the addition of these materials for hobbyists will be very valuable to our Spanish-speaking customers.”
The grant, totaling $3,000, will underwrite the acquisition of Spanish-language materials of hobbyists including books and videos. One fifth of the grant is set aside to conduct bilingual programs related to the new acquisitions. Specific programs are highlighted below:
LSTA “Bridging the Gap” Programs
Cars: Basic Maintenance/Spanish
Saturday, March 31, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Main Library
Instrucción de mantenimiento de automóvil. El 31 de marzo de 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., 28 de abril de 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., y el 19 de mayo de 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Registracion requerida. 12 patrocinadores por clase. El Señor Elías Carlos dará una clase sobre como hacerle una revisión y darle mantenimiento a un automóvil. El evento será en el garaje de la biblioteca principal. 215 N Wyman Street, Rockford, IL 61101.
Cars: Basic Maintenance/Spanish
Saturday, April 28, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
Main Library
(see program description above)
Vegetable Gardening 101/ Jardinería de verdura 101
Tuesday, May 1, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Main Library, Auditorium
UIC Extension Horticultural Master Gardener Paul Dennis will present Vegetable Gardening 101. This how-to demonstration on basic vegetable and container gardening is geared toward beginners and is an excellent starter course for those wanting to learn the ABC's of gardening.
1 de mayo, de 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. en la biblioteca principal, Programa de Horticultura - una extensión de la Universidad de Illinois dirigirá una demostración básica sobre jardinería de verdura. La jardinería de recipiente/envase también será presentada por Megan Bowe maestra de jardinería. La clase será afuera en el garaje al lado del río de la biblioteca principal o adentro del auditorio en caso de mal tiempo. Clase gratuita. Programa dirigido al mercado hispano, ningún registro requerido, y abierto al público. Gratis.
Flower Power! Beginners Guide to Flower Gardening/Jardinería de flor
Tuesday, April 17, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Montague Branch
UIC Extension Master Gardener Mary Thiesing will present Flower Power: a Beginner’s Guide to Flower Gardening! This is a how-to demonstration of flower gardening basics. It will cover picking and planting flowers for your garden. Q & A session will follow. Program to be held outside on north end of building or in Connie Lane room for inclement weather.
17 de abril, de las 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. en la biblioteca Montague. Programa de Horticultura, una extensión de la Universidad de Illinois presentará una demostración sobre cómo hacer la jardinería de flor básica. El profesor - jardinero Megan Bowe. El programa será afuera (enfrente de la biblioteca)sobre la calle Winnebago o en la sala Connie Lane en caso de mal tiempo. Programa dirigido al mercado hispano. Ningún registro requerido y abierto al público.
Bistek a la Mexicana: Steak Mexican Style!
Tuesday, March 27, 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Los Portales Restaurant, 805 East State Street, 961-9690
Meet at Los Portales for cooking instruction (demonstration only) of Bistek a la Mexicana. Question and answer session with recipe card and dinner to follow. Free Program but registration is required.
15 patrocinadores tendrán la oportunidad de reunirse en Los Portales. Van a aprender a cocinar (con receta) Bistec a la Mexicana (demostración solamente). Habrá una sesión para preguntas y respuestas seguida por una cena. Esta clase se llevará a cabo el 27 de marzo de 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Gratis pero registro requerido.
About the Library
The Rockford Public Library, founded in 1872 as the second library in Illinois, currently has six facilities, including the Main Library and five Branch Libraries. The Rockford Public Library’s mission is to enhance community life and development by informing, educating, entertaining, and providing cultural enrichment to all people of all ages by collecting information to address the diverse interests of our dynamic community.