Quick Summary
Latinx library professionals play a crucial role in creating environments that promote knowledge, community, and inclusion. To honor and highlight their work, we will be sharing their stories in the coming weeks. Our first story comes from Angelica Linder, outreach manager for Northfield Public Library.
Angelica Linder is the outreach manager for Northfield Public Library. In this role, she provides bilingual programming that fosters community and addresses the needs of Northfield's growing Latinx community. Do you have a Latinx library story to tell? Share it with us via our Google Form.
How do you see your role in libraries impacting the Latinx community, and/or other underrepresented communities?
My role in libraries is centered around creating accessible, inclusive spaces where Latinx and other underrepresented communities can feel seen, heard, and supported. My first experience with libraries was incredibly positive and played a key role in my path to learning English. I always felt welcomed when bringing my kids to the programs offered at my local library. Even though there weren’t any Spanish-speaking staff at the time, many of the staff members made the effort to say “hola,” which I found helpful and encouraging. This sense of welcome inspired me to help others experience the same.
I now focus on offering bilingual programming, such as Spanish story times, technology classes, and cultural events like the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, to bridge language and cultural gaps. By curating resources and programs tailored to the Latinx community, I help provide services that reflect their identity and needs, from education to cultural representation.
More people need to know how much support they can find in a library. It's an open door to knowledge, which is our right, and libraries are here to provide that access to everyone. Through ongoing collaboration with community members, I see my work as a way to ensure that libraries remain welcoming spaces where all voices are uplifted and empowered.”
Could you share a story where your cultural background helped bridge gaps or enhance the library experience for patrons?
One of the most meaningful ways my cultural background has helped bridge gaps is by bringing services and resources directly to the Latinx community that they may otherwise have difficulty accessing. For instance, I coordinated with the Mexican Consulate to visit Northfield, providing critical information and support to community members who might not have been able to travel to the nearest consulate.
I also helped launch driver education classes to prepare community members for the new Minnesota "License for All" program, which allows undocumented individuals to obtain driver’s licenses. This program was a huge step forward for our community, and being able to provide resources in Spanish ensured that everyone felt confident going into their exams.
A more recent memory involves helping a community member who received a worrying letter in the mail. After translating it, we found out it was just spam, and her relief was palpable. In another instance, I assisted someone in sending a fax to their medical insurance provider. She was going through a tough time, and just being there to listen and check in on her later meant the world to her. It’s moments like these that remind me how much even small gestures of support can impact someone’s life.
Since 2019, I’ve also facilitated a Spanish Book Club that meets once a month with a small group of 6 to 8 members, where we explore diverse Latinx literature. This initiative not only fosters a love for reading, but also creates a sense of community among participants.
One of the exciting recent collaborations was with Xavier Tavera’s photography exhibition, titled “Community Portrait,” which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month. Tavera, an Assistant Professor of Art and Art History at Carleton College, beautifully highlighted the diversity of the Northfield Latino community through formal large-scale portraits. This exhibition serves as both an artistic celebration and a reminder of the importance of the Latinx community in our area. It's partnerships like this that help the community feel seen and appreciated, strengthening the bonds between individuals and the broader public.
You never know the impact you’ll have on others. Whether it’s connecting people to essential resources, assisting with something as simple as a fax, or simply being there to listen, the work I do is guided by my desire to help. Many people, especially from underrepresented communities, just need to feel connected, represented, and supported. That’s a role I’m honored to fill.
What would you like others to know about the importance of diversity and representation in libraries?
Diversity and representation in libraries are crucial for creating inclusive spaces where all community members feel valued. It's not just about saying we need to be more inclusive—it's about taking action. As we say in Colombia, "Puro tilin tilin y nada de paletas," which means it’s easy to talk, but harder to act.
We must commit to doing the work, even if it's through small steps. When libraries reflect their communities, they become more accessible and relevant. Diverse staff and materials empower patrons to see themselves represented, fostering a sense of belonging.
Ultimately, taking tangible actions to embrace diversity enriches our communities, promoting understanding and connection. Let’s move beyond words and strive for real change, ensuring every individual feels that the library is a place for them where knowledge is accessible, and everyone’s voice matters.
