While our libraries may offer a wide array of programs, services, and collections, it’s corporate and staff culture leaves something to be desired by Latinos and Spanish-Speakers. In order to be truly relevant and responsive libraries should be a one-stop ecosystem that offers the latest in sustainable customer services, collections, services, and programs. This presentation will introduce the basic tenents of what 21st century public library services to Latinos and Spanish-Speakers looks and feels like. As a bonus the speaker will make a compelling case for the direct correlation between STEM initiatives and Latinos and Spanish-Speakers. The answers and the many best practices readily available to you will be highlighted during this interactive workshop.

Salvador Avila is a Branch Manager with the Las Vegas – Clark County Library District (NV). He is the author of Crash Course in Serving Spanish Speakers and Serving Latino Teens. He also wrote an article for VOYA titled “Learn to DJ.” He is the 2014 REFORMA Librarian of the Year, 2003 Críticas Librarian of the Year, and 2006 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. His current areas of interest are serving Latinos & Spanish Speakers and STEM programs in urban libraries. He has spoken at the local, state, and national level on serving Latinos & Spanish Speakers and on the importance of STEM. To read more about his work with REFORMA see the official press release: http://www.reforma.org/loty14.