EL families gather for fun and information at Rum River Library
(05/26/2022) On May 20, Anoka-Hennepin English Language (EL) cultural liaisons Kari Xiong-Carlson and Victoria Campoverde partnered with Anoka County Libraries to invite EL families from Andover and Anoka cluster schools to the Rum River Library for a special event.
Multilingual families used the event to learn about the library and the services available for children and adults. The evening included dinner, crafts, dancing and fun. Families registered for summer reading programming received library cards and engaged in storytime.
The Anoka High School (AHS) student achievement advisor, Anna Wilken, attended the event with AHS students who performed an East African traditional dance and taught students in attendance some dance routines.
Community resources such as Anoka-Hennepin Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Anoka County Child and Teen Checkup, and Metro North Adult Basic Education were also in attendance to meet with families and share information about their services.
“It was a moving evening to ensure our multilingual families feel connected to our community and services available to them,” Xiong-Carlson said. “An elementary student in attendance was so excited to receive her first library card, and she is now set to check out books this summer!”