Innovative ways found to respond to pandemic

Libraries have always been places where the community turns for information. At the Gail Borden Public Library District, we aim to be a great equalizer by creating opportunity for transformation to flourish for all, fueled by the power of community. COVID-19 brought new meaning to that mission.

We saw how this pandemic disproportionally affected communities of color, including many Hispanic residents in our city of Elgin. We wanted to help answer any questions or dispel any myths that our Hispanic community had about COVID-19, so we turned to the dedicated team at Advocate Sherman Hospital who had been battling this pandemic since the beginning.

Paola Velasquez, Juan Rivero Huerta, Ben Castells, Alejandra Pastrano, Angelica Jaquinde and Dr. Dorothea Poulos took their work outside of the hospital walls to conduct three Facebook Live events in Spanish and connect directly with the Hispanic community. Together, these livestreams garnered more than 8,000 views; a number that tells us our Spanish-speaking friends and neighbors were looking for this information.

This pandemic has forced us all to re-examine the inequities within our communities and how we address them. We will continue to look for innovative ways to meet the need and for partners willing to help us.

Tina Viglucci, Director of Hispanic Services

Gail Borden Public Library