To meet our community’s growing needs, we partnered with Triton College this spring to offer an eight-week conversational Spanish course for 12 library staff members at the Main Library.
The course was designed to help staff provide more responsive customer service and build relationships with Spanish-speaking community members who frequent the library.
Rashmi Swain, Adult Education and Career Services Librarian (pictured above, center front), says she took the class to be able to help Spanish-speaking patrons by phone or in person.
Now, she says, “I feel well-equipped to answer questions regarding what is needed to get a library card, where the computers are located, how to scan and print documents, and I can provide directions if the resource that they’re seeking is located on a different floor.”
More for Spanish speakers
A dedicated Latine Language & Culture Librarian
Nora Sanchez is the Latine Language & Culture Librarian. She is dedicated to fostering literacy, inclusivity, and lifelong learning while providing diverse resources and engaging the community in cultural enrichment. She speaks English, Spanish, and Spanglish!
Nora says that watching her mother struggle to navigate her new home after migrating to the United States from Jalisco, Mexico, fueled her desire to live in a world where everyone has access to the resources, services, and programs they need to thrive. Contact Nora for more information or to share any suggestions!
Browse books & more in Spanish
In the library catalog, you can filter items by language and place holds. See all items in Spanish »
At the Main Library
On the Main Library’s third floor, you can find books in Spanish in the Adult World Languages collection, including nonfiction, fiction, graphic novels, and teen fiction. Also on the third floor are books and audiobooks for learning new languages.
In the Main Library Children’s Services area, the Children’s World Languages Collection is full of books and movies in Spanish, among other languages.
From your digital library
- Ebooks & digital audiobooks for adults, teens, and kids on Media on Demand/Libby
- Magazines for all ages on Media on Demand/Libby and PressReader
- Newspapers on PressReader and Global Newsstream
- Movies and documentaries on Kanopy (a special Hispanic Heritage Month collection)
- Ebooks, audiobooks, movies & more on Hoopla
- Chicago Spanish newspaper La Raza
Learn Spanish, English & more online
- Mango Languages: Reach conversational proficiency in Spanish, English as a Second Language, and more.
- MUZZY: Kids can learn and practice English and Spanish with the games and stories in this online language program.
Events for adults
English Language Conversation: Join other English language learners to practice English and learn new vocabulary in an informal setting. Conversation facilitators will lead the weekly sessions with a variety of topics for conversation. Free and open to all English language learners, with in-person and virtual options.
Spanish Conversation Hour: Join us monthly for a casual hour of open conversation with other Spanish speakers. Whether you speak enough to hold a basic conversation or can rattle off long stories, all levels are welcome. No class, no formal lesson—just practice for current Spanish speakers.
Latine Author Book Cafe: Join us on the second Tuesday of each month as we discuss works written by Latine authors. Spanish-language copies will be made available when possible.
Coming soon: Noche de Lotería, Caminando y Conversaciones (Walk & Talk), and a Spanish-language book club!
Events for kids & families
Cuenta Cuentos con Kathy/Spanish Storytime With Kathy: Join us for a Spanish-language storytime facilitated by Kathy Valdivia. Come hear stories, songs, and dancing! This program is open to all children ages 3 to 6 years old and their caregivers, and is best for those who are eager to be immersed in Spanish language.
Watch Early Bird Learning videos in Spanish
- Color Hunt: Amarillo
- Los Pollitos Dicen
- Lego y Amigos
- Uno Dos Tres Chocolate
- Jugando y Contando
- Kathy y Munchy cantan Pin Pon
