When cultures differ, libraries don’t need to understand all the ways they differ. Libraries need to understand what different style service and program approaches will be successful to welcome them to your library services and programs.
I have a friend who emigrated from Mexico, and he once told me that if his entire family is not invited to a party, he doesn’t go. I totally understood what he was talking about. He was really talking about being invited to parties by his Anglo friends.
In Mexico, and I assume many other cultures, you are an extension of your family. Where you are invited to an event, your family is not only welcomed, but frankly expected to show up. When I lived in Mexico for 5 years I heard many a joke regarding this cultural reality. Basically they state that a person, or group of people, show up to a wedding or party and are barred from entering at the door. The person explains, “Oh, I’m cousins with the guy who couldn’t come to the wedding/party.” He’s promptly welcomed in with open arms and a slap on the back, “PRIMO, BIENVENIDO!”
So there’s no RSVP’ing by a certain date, no “adults only” events, no you + a guest type invitations, no you must have a ticket to enter, arrival and departure times. Why, might you ask, does this have anything to do with libraries serving Latinos? Only the whole Enchilada!
The Mexican part of me gets really worried when I see library programs that require advanced tickets, sign up lists, have strict start times, and/or age restrictions. They simply go against everything we stand for culturally. These normal library practices might as well read, “YOU ARE NOT WELCOME!” in huge, RED, Spanish language letters.
So how are we different culturally?
FAMILY – We will go everywhere and do everything as a HUGE family, grandparents, parents, babies, toddlers, kids, teens, uncles, and cousins all together. If a library program or event isn’t family friendly, we will not come or won’t return. If you reject one of us, you reject all of us. So you better be prepared by having family oriented programs where everyone is welcomed and well received.
SPONTANEOUS – We are more likely to just show up spur of the moment. We don’t plan ahead in advance, particularly if tickets and sign-up sheets are involved. After all, if primo Raul throws a party (even if we have tickets to a library program) we’re going to his party! Calendars in Mexican households are hung because of the nice pictures, not to know what day it is or plan upcoming events. That’s why they’re all from 1960’s. I find it best to spread the word during the days leading up to the event.
ARRIVING LATE, STAYING LATE – Bet the farm on it! If you start on time, we’ll miss the start of the show, and we won’t care if we disturb you by walking in late. Be smart, start 5 minutes late, welcome everyone, rearrange the attending group (ok everyone, scoot closer or move back), talk about the library, upcoming programs and events, introduce the presenter. Hopefully by then, 15 minutes have passed and most of the Latinos who are coming have arrived. At the end of the program, if the Latinos enjoyed themselves, they will stick around. This means they felt welcomed and enjoyed themselves and want to continue in your welcoming aura. Plan on an activity for the whole family that keeps the “party going”.
