Library offers new options of information in 5 languages for refugees and immigrants

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - The Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library is using the internet to increase resources for refugees and immigrants. The new website offers materials and publications in five different languages including Arabic, Chinese, French, Nepali and Spanish.

This kind of service is now available on the library's "New Americans" webpage.

"Having this website available to those individuals is just phenomenal,” said Heartfelt Tidbits co-founder and executive director, Sheryl Rajbhandari.

The organization provides support and services to refugees and immigrants in southwestern Ohio.

"One of the first places we take them is to their local library so that they understand they have access to free internet resources,” said Rajbhandari.

The new resource allows people to search for books, magazines, and movies in their native language and check them out.

It also has information on classes to learn English. The library is also working with Cincinnati Compass to help people with voting information and registration.

“A key thing for cities to be welcoming to immigrants and refugees is to ensure accessibility of services and resources,” said Cincinnati Compass Executive Director Bryan Wright. “With the creation of the New Americans webpage and translation of resources into five languages, including the library card application, the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library is leading by example to welcome and support immigrant and refugee communities in the Cincinnati region.”

That is something Rajbhandari is happy to see.

"Any resources we can continue to provide centrally on a website makes it easy for people to navigate,” said Rajbhandari.

Rajbhandari says the library has always been a wonderful partner in making sure refugees and immigrants get assistance in navigating a new life. But she also knows there's always a need for more.

"There could be 100 ESL classes 100 places supporting refugees and immigrants and they still would not be enough,” said Rajbhandari.

The library is working with Cincinnati Compass on voting information and registration,” said Rajbhandari. “I’m happy to see that they’re always thinking about the refugees and immigrants living in Cincinnati,” said Rajbhandari.