Quick Summary
From its start in a boiler room to its current-day iteration, La Crescent Library’s mission of serving its community has remained the same since 1986, with efforts none more evident than their “Light for the World: Community Conversations” series, which helps participants participate in conversations addressing current events.
La Crescent Library got its start in 1986 after a group of residents identified the need for a library in the area and secured funding from the city council. After joining the Southeastern Libraries Cooperating (SELCO), they began their operations in the boiler room of the local elementary school. Since then, the library has had various iterations, having been housed in city hall and a garage shared with fire trucks before finally making it to its current location. But its mission remained constant: to serve the community. A perfect example of this is their “Light for the World: Community Conversations” series, which encourages patrons and residents to engage in meaningful conversations regarding current events and sensitive topics, specifically surrounding immigration.
The idea to have a space where meaningful conversations can be had regarding the topic of Immigration came about after a few community members attended a local immigration summit in a neighboring city. With Minnesota having been the subject of immigration enforcement during the first half of the year, one key takeaway many who attended found was the importance of addressing myths and correcting misinformation. This led to the development of their “Light for the World: Community Conversations” series, made possible through a partnership between the library and various churches and community members to encourage continued conversations that encourage communicating opinions in productive ways, educate on this complex topic, dispel misconceptions, and provide nuance, as well as support those most affected.
This series consists of sessions held at the La Crescent Community Building, featuring a variety of presenters and experts on the topic, ranging from lawyers to faith leaders to individuals - who have firsthand experience navigating the immigration system. A typical session consists of a presentation, a Q&A session, and small breakout sessions facilitated by presenters. “The quality of presenters we're hosting has been a big part because the public leaves having learned something new - and being more able to speak about the topic and its complexities,” says Jess Witkins, Library Director of La Crescent Public Library. The most recent session encouraged attendees to read “Solito” by Javier Zamora, which explores firsthand accounts and stories of migrant workers, and then discuss them as a group.
Beyond promoting productive conversation, addressing misconceptions, and bringing clarity, this series also explores how members can help those affected in ways that uphold compassion and dignity. Participants are encouraged to find ways to support affected individuals using the knowledge learned and connections made. This has shown up in different ways, including contacting representatives, supporting food drives, distributing supplies to families, and continuing the conversation. “There's so much news, much of it violent, being reported daily, and it can feel exhausting to keep up. Folks are looking for ways they can help, and just need a place to gather, feel community, and have options to take action,” explains Witkins. This series has seen overwhelming support, with consistently increasing attendance and even welcoming individuals from neighboring communities.
At the core of all of these sessions and efforts on behalf of the library, the churches, and patrons is the importance of community and building connections. La Crescent Public Library serves as the perfect conduit for these conversations to take place, providing a safe place for many to feel welcomed and heard, and continuing to support independent thinking by ensuring access to resources such as books and articles that continue to explore this complex topic. La Crescent Public Library’s commitment to serving its community is evident, with its impact reaching beyond its front doors. Patrons can look forward to upcoming sessions in this series, regular programming such as storytimes, and hosting the “Chicahuac Exhibition: Women's Stories of Strength and Sacrifice from Rural Mexico to the Midwest" in June, which explores the experiences of women navigating life in Mexico while their husbands traveled to Minnesota and Wisconsin for work. Stay up to date by checking out their website, or following their Instagram and Facebook.
