My Library Is... Empowering English Language Learners: Boosting Creativity and Expanding Vocabulary!

In 2021, the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, proudly opened the doors of its new Makerplace building, ushering in a world of exciting possibilities for the community. Since then, residents of all ages have eagerly embraced the opportunity to acquire new skills, unleash their creativity, and engage in a variety of enriching activities. With its new commercial kitchen for culinary classes and a spacious lower floor dedicated to crafting, the Makerplace has quickly become a hub for imagination and resourcefulness to many. 

Everyone is  warmly welcomed to utilize the Makerplace's space and equipment, whether they wish to work independently on their own projects, bring existing ones to life, or simply seek inspiration. For AHML cardholders, personalized one-on-one appointments can be scheduled or introductory classes attended, offering a glimpse into the abundant resources and equipment available. 

Inclusivity at the Heart 

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library is committed to ensuring that every member of the community feels welcome, even those who may initially feel intimidated or face language barriers. This spring, the ESL & Literacy office staff has undertaken an initiative to provide a unique crafting and vocabulary-building program specifically designed for English learners in the community. 

“Jars of Joy" Participants are invited to spend an hour designing their own jars and filling them with uplifting thoughts and words, creating a source of joy and inspiration for themselves and others. The program encourages participants to write kind words and messages of encouragement in English, serving as reminders of the beautiful aspects of life during challenging times. 

A Journey of Discovery! 

For many attendees, this program not only offered a creative outlet but also served as their first introduction to the new Makerplace building. Some individuals initially visited the library's main building, unsure of the class location. However, after learning about the Makerplace, they were promptly directed to the right place, arriving just in time to embark on a delightful session of artistic and vocabulary exploration. 

The participants were captivated by the opportunity to utilize a library space they had never experienced before or even knew existed. The remarkable equipment, the well-equipped kitchen, the friendly and knowledgeable staff, and the impressive collection of creative samples left them awestruck. Witnessing the possibilities opened their eyes to the creative projects they themselves could undertake. 

This new program session proved to be an absolute delight! Participants engaged in lively conversations shared personal experiences, and discovered their often-hidden creative sides, which they rarely have the opportunity to showcase during regular ESL classes. 

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library was thrilled to host this program and looks forward to organizing similar initiatives catering to different target audiences. By offering more opportunities to engage with the Makerplace, the library aims to ensure that everyone becomes acquainted with this exciting new building and wonders. 

The Makerplace at Arlington Heights Memorial Library has become a beacon of creativity and innovation within the community. Offering programs to English Language Learners like "Jars of Joy," the library is not only fostering a love for crafting and vocabulary building but also creating an inclusive environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together, discover new talents, and experience the joy of making. As the library continues to introduce more of these, the Makerplace is sure to become a cherished destination for all, fostering lifelong learning and creative expression. 

" To know more about the Arlington Heights Memorial Library Makerplace, please visit: https://www.ahml.info/makerplace"

Today's guest blog post is by Catalina Shin, (Ella, She, Her) Community Engagement Liaison, Arlington Heights Memorial Library