Immigrants Become Citizens At Schaumburg Township District Library

More than 30 countries were represented by the 76 immigrants who took the U.S. Naturalization Oath Friday, April 11 at the Schaumburg Township District Library (STDL) in Schaumburg, IL. The Citizenship Ceremony marked the fourth time the oath was taken at the library, where many immigrants come to learn English and prepare for becoming U.S. citizens. The event is now taking place biannually at STDL, funded in part by the American Dream Grant awarded by the American Library Association and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation.

"For the past 3 years we've been very honored that U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services has allowed us to host the naturalization ceremony, said STDL's Literacy Coordinator Pat Barch, who organizes the ceremonies. "It's an opportunity for our library to serve our immigrant population here in Schaumburg Township. When the list of countries is read aloud, you realize these citizens-to-be have come from all corners of the world to find a more rewarding way of life. The naturalization ceremony is their American dream come true."

Barch said that one of the new citizens, Rukmini Punjabi, took her citizenship classes at the library and has now come full circle by taking her naturalization oath at the library as well. The next Citizenship Ceremony is slated for September.

To learn about literacy and citizenship classes at STDL, check the library's Program Guide or go to www.stdl.org. Interest persons may also send an email to pbarch@stdl.org or call her at (847) 923-3387.