Why is there a need to perform outreach to the Latino Community?

Little experience using a public library in their country of origin

Many foreign born Latinos had no access to a public library. If they came from rural communities, there simply may not have been a library for miles. There might have been academic libraries only, which unless they were students or professors, they would have no access to. Also, if they did have access to a library, it might have had "closed stacks" where they had to ask for a book at the front desk and then had to wait for a clerk to bring it to them. In closed stacks libraries, patrons would not be able to take the materials home, but would have to read them at the library.

Confusing "Library" with "Librería"

The word for "Library" in Spanish is "Biblioteca". The word "Librería", which is very close in pronunciation with "Library" actually means "Bookstore", a place where people go to purchase books. For newcommers that are unfamiliar with the English language, it would be very easy to assume that if they went to the place they assume to be the Librería they would have to purchase a book rather than to borrow it for free.

Lack of time because of working several jobs to make ends meet

The Spanish Language and the Latino community is a very diverse community. The spectrum of educational level, and socioeconomical levels is very great. However, the majority of Spanish speaking immigrants do face very hard working conditions, and a large percentage of them are poor. They must work several jobs to make ends meet and to send money to their families, leaving them little or no time for leisure activities such as visiting the library. 

Fear of entering a government institution

Many Latinos whether legal residents or not, are in fear of encountering "La Migra". Many see this as a government institution where they will be "carded" and deported. If they suffered persecution in their country of origin because they belonged to the "wrong political party" or because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time, they may have an instinctual fear of being persecuted. Walking into a building that they deem a government building may not be the most enticing way of spending their free time.

Not feeling welcome because of language limitations

Some recent immigrants may feel very self conscious of their lack of English Speaking ability. They need to see someone that looks like them and someone that would understand their needs and would be able to communicate with them. If they enter a building in which they cannot communicate with others, even if they were familiar with what a library is about, they would not be able to find the answeres they were looking for.

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