Ferguson joins CT State Library Task Force to help Afghan refugees

Stamford, November 23, 2021 - The Connecticut State Library has formed a Public Library Task Force consisting of libraries in communities receiving Afghan refugees to identify ways that the Connecticut library community can support the organizations welcoming refugees and offer direct services. These libraries are Bridgeport Public Library, Ferguson Library in Stamford, New Haven Free Public Library, Public Library of New London, Phoebe Griffin Knowles Library, Norwalk Public Library, Old Lyme and Russell Library, Middletown.

Libraries in New London, New Haven, Bridgeport, Norwalk and Stamford already offer direct services to refugees, including ESL and ESOL programs, collections of material for English language learners, collections in a variety of languages, technology help, and assistance with resumes and job skills. And New Haven and Stamford have presented documentaries and conversations for the general public on refugees.

In planning for future services, the CT State Library will purchase Welcoming Library Kits for libraries serving communities receiving refugees. The Welcoming Library is a traveling library of 30 picture books that center around new arrival and new American experiences. The kits will be customized to meet the needs of resettled Afghan refugees. The State Library will also create a resource guide for organizations to identify programs for refugees in their service area for job skills; digital literacy skills; ESL; bilingual story time, and other activities for Afghan families to take part in at their libraries.

Connecticut libraries are contacting publishers to request donations of books and other materials that can be distributed via library welcome kits to families. In addition, Task Force members will work on programming such as community conversations and cultural experiences that will invite Afghan refugees to participate along with the entire community.

Public libraries have a long tradition of welcoming refugees and immigrants.  In the early twentieth century, librarians often went into communities and workplaces to deliver library material for these newcomers. In Stamford, for example, librarians brought Polish language books to the Yale & Town factories for the workers there. This project continues that tradition.