First Blog Entry

I've been trying to think of something interesting to post on this my first attempt at blogging. Since it should be library related perhaps I'll start here.

REFORMA is one of the 5 ethnic caucuses of the American Library Association. Established in 1971, it has actively sought to promote the development of library collections and services that meet the needs of the Latino and Spanish speaking communities throughout the U.S. I can't remember exactly when the local chapter, REFORMA de Utah, was formed but it was 12 or 14 years ago. It is a wonderful group of librarians from around the state who are very committed to helping libraries serve Utah's ever-growing Latino population, which is at close to 20% of the total in Salt Lake City.

Some of our goals are to create an awareness of the Latino community in Utah; serve as a clearinghouse for resources and information pertaining to library services to the Spanish-speaking and Latino population; assist library employees throughout the state of Utah in planning and implementing effective programming and outreach to Latinos in their service areas; sponsor programs at the ULA Annual Conference; etc.

It's a great group and we have forged strong bonds of friendship over the years. I want to encourage my colleagues at the City Library to join REFORMA de Utah. Everyone is welcome, you don't need to speak Spanish or to be Latino to be a member, which is good since I'm Irish and while I've tried for years to become fluent in Spanish I'm beginning to think it will never happen.

We have a website www.reformadeutah.org. We meet every other month at the State Library.

Wow! Okay, now I'm going to see if this flies.