Hartford Public Library is a prime example of a library who promotes diversity and a multicultural society. The American Place (TAP) is an integral part of the library and aimed at immigrants in the community. TAP is there to assist immigrants with practical issues that face them when arriving in the United States. The library provides assistance on all levels in the immigration process including citizen classes and language classes. According to Naficy in her article “Centering Essential Immigrant Help on the Library Web site: The American Place (TAP) at Hartford Public Library” the staff has also developed a keen interest and knowledge in the immigration process in order to help their immigrants integrate into American life
The American Place is an excellent initiative. I also get the sense that there is an integrated respect and curiosity embedded in the library culture that makes this such a success. Immigrants bring new culture and languages to a community. This diversity can have a positive effect on a community, especially if they are welcomed as they are in Hartford. I wish more libraries would follow their example.
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