How a bilingual librarian in Sacramento is introducing the magic of books to Latino families
Veronica Ramirez credits the library for changing her life after immigrating to Northern California.
Ramirez didn't grow up with books in her home, but now she's surrounded by them.
As a librarian in Sacramento, she loves to host bilingual story time in places like Del Paso Heights.
"When parents come to the library and they check out books for their children, they go home, they are going to be helping their children to increase their vocabulary," Ramirez said.
It's a mission close to her heart.
When she was 12, a teacher told her she could check out all the books she wanted at a local library.
"It was probably about six blocks that we would walk, and we would check out stacks and stacks of books, just take them home and devour those," Ramirez said.
Books were critical in teaching Ramirez to read and getting her more familiar with English.
"I had just recently immigrated to the United States, and so, I was learning English completely from zero. Going to the library and finding out books about subjects and things that interest me really captivated me and kept me reading," said Ramirez.
She says being bilingual is her superpower.
"I actually don't remember finding books that represented me and my culture. I feel like it had to do with the fact that we were not familiar with the library space," she said.
Her Spanish skills allow her to greet families in their native language, making them feel more comfortable.
"I want to show them that there are things here for them that they can enjoy, that they can learn from and things that they can relate to, that they can see themselves in," Ramirez said.
Ramirez gets encouraged when families sign up for a library card. They are free and only take 20 seconds with valid identification.
One card leads to thousands of books and a lifetime of learning and adventure.
"Try stepping into a library. A library is a welcoming space that's open to everyone with all backgrounds and languages," she said.
Ramirez wants families to know that besides books, there's also access to computers at the library, and children can also design things on the 3D printers.
Select locations still have the limited-edition Sacramento Kings library cards.
This story was produced as part of the KCRA 3 Project CommUNITY special "Californians Celebrating Hispanic & Latino Heritage." Watch the full special on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. on KCRA 3.