Felicidades to our very own Cristina Ramirez who serves on the REFORMA Executive Committe as a member at large and represents Virginia, for her newly appointed position of Library/Community Services Manager for Broad Rock Library of the Richmond Public Libraries in May 21, 2012. Since then Cristina has reached out to the rapidly growing Latino community in the Greater Richmond Region. Through radio interviews with the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and WBTK AM 1380, Cristina was able to talk directly to the public in Spanish explaining the services and programs we offer and how to use the library.  

Through the local Latino press, She was interviewed in Metro Periodico Hispano to share her work and stress the importance of literacy and reading. Through various forms of media, the number of Latino families coming in to apply for library cards, to use our homework help program and computers has increased. Cristina regularly helps patrons in Spanish with job applications, web searches, homework, and sending faxes.  The community is responding to the increased outreach as well. Cristina just took on her first Latina and Bilingual volunteer to help other patrons with translations, shelving, and computing assistance. She will continue reaching out through local media and establishing and building relationships with the community.  Congratulations Cristina Ramirez.