Palm Springs Public Library
Title
Legacy of El Alma Hispana
Applicant name
Karen Garcia
Institutionaffiliation
Palm Springs Public Library
Chapter’s name
Florida Chapter
Essay
Palm Springs Public Library has been working with the Latino community for over four years. Since 2016, the library increased Spanish programs adding book discussions, poetry festivals, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Bilingual Preschool Storytime. More staff that were bilingual were also hired to help non-English speakers. One key piece in providing a variety of Spanish language programs has been a partnership with the organization, El Alma Hispana and mainly its fearless leader, Alma Gallego.
The purpose of this grant application is with the goal of supporting not only a philanthropic organization such as El Alma Hispana, but also to empower the Hispanic community by giving them a voice. People who live in our community will have the opportunity to explore their own talents and learn through a variety of aptitudes and artistic skills that are recognized and promoted at the Library. We will be able to help preserve the Latin roots for future generations. Our intention is also to create a database of presenters whether artists or educational speakers. Most importantly we can effectively continue the cultural exchange and exposure among different cultures.