Waukegan Public Library

Waukegan Public Library recognized a critical need for fresh, effective approaches to promoting literacy across the community. Waukegan has a Hispanic population that is three times higher than the state average, with 55 percent of residents speaking a language other than English. The Library has evolved as a core component of Waukegan’s broader community learning and service infrastructure with a wide array of programs to put individuals on the Path to Learning and Literacy and helping residents build essential communication skills. A key initiative is the Promotoras Ambassador Program – empowering an outreach worker to be responsible for raising awareness about library resources in the Hispanic community and understanding the needs of Spanish speakers. One of the library’s first initiatives was to create a culturally sensitive Conversational ESL Program that incorporates relevant curriculum that places the learner at the center to ensure his or her success in daily life. After only one year, 255 students have participated in the Conversational ESL program, with most moving on to a GED program.