Bringing cultura to libraries

Summer 2023

Rosie Camargo |

Cultural Literacy Specialist

Today, we have the esteemed pleasure of meeting Rosie Camargo, a dedicated Cultural Literacy Specialist who tirelessly endeavors to foster connections within her community through the realms of reading and culture.


From Bookstore to Cultural Literacy Specialist

The story of Rosie began in the summer of '99, with the scent of new books filling the air of a bookstore. As the years went by, Rosie's passion for books blossomed into one of uniting diverse minds through language and literature. She utilized her knowledge and skills to craft multilingual programs that helped bridge gaps and forge connections among the library patrons of Chicago. 

Then, in 2015, a pivotal moment arose as she earned her Library Technical Assistant Certification, lighting the fuse that ignited her soaring career. Rosie found herself at a public library in western Chicagoland, where she captivated patrons during her storytimes, leaving a trail of smiles and wonder in her wake.

But that did not end Rosie's story, that summer she gained the opportunity to work as an intern at a public library in the northern Chicagoland area. It’s here where she focused her skills on her community. Later Rosie used her passion for literature, community, and multilingualism to secure her current role as a Cultural Literacy Specialist. This position has been allowing her to nurture an environment for the community that focused on culture, language, and literacy. 

As a Cultural Literacy Specialist she offers a place for patrons to feel safe, and heard.  All this in a place that holds literature at its center, the library.

What experience inspired you to pursue this role?

Throughout her life, Rosie, a first-generation American with Colombian roots, has cherished the vital role libraries played. Introduced to the library during her school days by her widowed mother, Rosie's weekly visits enriched her upbringing.

As a parent and librarian, Rosie observed the gaps in language communication and cultural inclusivity within library programs. This ignited her passion to bridge these divides, aiming to create a more inclusive and culturally enriching space for all.

“It shows the patrons that the library cares.”

Rosie Camargo

Rosie states that it's crucial for children to see themselves in programs and books. Equally important, libraries must foster community bridges to cultivate empathy and cultural understanding.

Rosie takes pride in her library community and the overwhelmingly positive feedback they share about the various cultural celebrations hosted there. With a deep commitment to inclusivity, she ensures that her library hub becomes a melting pot of cultures. From showcasing the mesmerizing Indonesian dance to celebrating the vibrant Mexican traditions, and even embracing the soulful Irish songs, Rosie leaves no stone unturned in creating an enriching and diverse experience for all visitors.

Rosie's passion for her work at the library shines through her dedication to creating meaningful projects. The success of her initiative, "My Voice, My Story," was recognized with the prestigious Youth Services Achievement Award in 2016, a testament to her commitment to fostering cultural understanding and inclusivity.

Ever since receiving the award, Rosie has made it her mission to offer a range of cultural presentations to her community. She firmly believes that the library should be a place where families can see themselves represented and have the opportunity to experience new cultures. By embracing diversity and providing these programs, Rosie believes they can build bridges that foster healing and stronger community relationships.

Tips for libraries

  • Make sure to have a diverse collection of books, magazines, and other materials available in multiple languages. This ensures that our patrons can access resources in their preferred language.

  • Offer language learning resources, such as language learning software, online courses, and language conversation groups, to help community members improve their language skills.

  • Whenever possible, strive to have staff members who speak multiple languages to assist multilingual patrons.

  • Similar to Rosie's efforts, organize cultural presentations, language workshops, and events that celebrate the diversity of our community.

  • For important documents or communications, provide translation services to make sure that everyone can understand and access vital information.

  • Make sure the library's website and digital resources are designed to be multilingual-friendly, making it easier for patrons who speak different languages to navigate and access information.

  • Collaborate with local cultural and language organizations to ensure that our library is a hub for celebrating and preserving different cultures.

Overall, our library strives to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and welcome. We take special consideration to their language and cultural background. We believe that by supporting our multilingual community, we can enrich the overall library experience and foster a stronger sense of belonging and connection within the community.

Follow Rosie Camargo for more tips & resources on creating cultural inclusivity in libraries!