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G2S Project Code: 2020-MA-85289
State: Massachusetts
Fiscal Year: 2020
Grantee
Lawrence Public Library

Project Director
Director Name: Cassandra Abou-Farah
Director Phone: 978-620-3605
Director Email: Cabou-farah@cityoflawrence.com
General Information
Title: INCITE: Invest in Citizenship and Expanded English Learning
State Project Code: 20.03.01
Start Date: 10/01/2019
End Date: 09/30/2021
Abstract: The Lawrence Public Library created a Citizenship Corner in its main branch with a satellite center in the library's children's room. In partnership with the Adult Learning Center they began to offer English language instruction for community members. The library also worked closely with the Boston-based USCIS office that provided valuable support to establish the program in Lawrence. As a central site for information the library now has the most up-to-date information to help residents obtain their U.S. citizenship and continue their English language learning. This was the second year of a two-year project.  This project helped update the library's Citizenship Corner for patrons and provided  updated material to help them practice for the Naturalization exams and the English language. This project also helped strengthen its partnership with organizations like the Adult Learning Center and the United States Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS). To officially announce the Citizenship Corner to the community, a Citizenship Corner Launch was hosted on Citizenship Day, September 17th where a ribbon ceremony and events like a Naturalization Ceremony took place throughout the day. 
State Goal: Lifelong Learning
Budget Information
LSTA
MATCH-State
MATCH-Other
Total
$7,100.00
$0.00
$5,850.00
$12,950.00
Intent(s)
Improve users' formal education.
Literacy
Adult Literacy
Activities
Activity Details
Title: Citizenship /ESOL Classes
Narrative: Citizenship/ESOL Classes were held three times a week from 9am-12pm for twenty-four weeks with ten students. The class launched in November 2019 and was scheduled to run through June, but due to the public health crisis, the class sessions stopped abruptly in mid-March. The instructor continued to support the students by encouraging them to review previously presented lessons.
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Program
Format: In-person


Quantity
Session length (minutes): 180
Number of sessions in program: 24
Average number in attendance per session: 10
Number of times program administered: 1


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: No
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: Targeted
Geographic community of the targeted group: Urban
For what age groups: 18-25 years
26-49 years
50-59 years
For what economic types: Below Poverty
For what ethnicity types: Black
Hispanic
Is the activity directed at families: No
Is the activity directed at intergenerational groups: No
Is the activity directed at immigrants/refugees: Yes
Is the activity directed at those with disabilities: No
Limited functional literacy or informational skills: Yes
Is the activity category not already captured: No


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 51 LAWRENCE ST.
City: LAWRENCE
State: MA
Zip: 01841
Question 1: I learned something by participating in this library activity.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 2: I feel more confident about what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 3: I intend to apply what I just learned.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 4: I am more aware of resources and services provided by the library.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Question 5: I am more likely to use other library resources and services.
Strongly Agree: 0
Agree: 0
Neither Agree nor Disagree: 0
Disagree: 0
Strongly Disagree: 0
Non-Response: 0
Activity Details
Title: Citizenship Center Launch and Naturalization Ceremony
Narrative: The Citizenship Corner Launch took place on Citizenship Day, September 17. The Library kicked off the event with a ribbon cutting ceremony featuring partners, the Adult Learning Center, City government officials and USCIS. The day was filled with programming and events such as a Citizenship themed story time and craft, USCIS presentations, tabling from accredited immigration services, and a Naturalization Ceremony where 13 adult learners were sworn in as American Citizens.
Intent: Improve users' formal education.

Activity: Instruction
Mode: Presentation/performance
Format: In-person


Quantity
Presentation/performance length (minutes): 240
Number of presentations/performances administered: 1
Average number in attendance per session: 100


Partner Information
Organization Type of Partner Organization(s):
Libraries: Yes
Historical Societies or Organizations: No
Museums: No
Archives: No
Cultural Heritage Organization Multi-type: No
Preschools: No
Schools: No
Adult Education: No
Human Service Organizations: No
Other: No


Legal Type of Partner Organization(s):
Federal Government: Yes
State Government: No
Local Government (excluding school districts): No
School District: No
Non-Profit: No
Private Sector: No
Tribe/Native Hawaiian Organization: No


Beneficiaries
Is the activity directed at the library workforce: No
For a targeted group or for the general population: General


Locale
Is the activity state-wide: No
Specific Locations: Yes
Name: LAWRENCE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Address: 51 LAWRENCE ST.
City: LAWRENCE
State: MA
Zip: 01841
Project Outcomes
Project Outcomes
List any important outcomes or findings not previously reported:
This project offered a two-pronged strategy that included establishment of a Citizenship Corner in the library and the creation of a dedicated ESOL program that had not previously existed. Part of this effort included pre-class surveys given to Citizenship/ESOL students to query their knowledge about the Library and its resources. Staff learned none of respondents were aware of public computer access. Due to the pandemic, library access continued to be affected six months into the second year of the project. The Citizenship/ESOL instructor continued to stay in contact with students so they were aware of the available online services offered during the closure.
Please briefly describe the importance of these outcomes and findings for future program planning:
Having to pivot from in-person to online services taught staff about the importance of having an emergency resource packet or plan for any recurring program or class being hosted at the Library. The Adult Learning Center surveyed all students and learned that 40% of the students were utilizing their phones to access online services. Providing students with take home materials at the beginning of the program year helped adult learners to continue learning in the case of any stay home emergency like the one the library faced these past twelve months.
Explain one or two of the most significant lessons learned for others wanting to adopt any facets of this project:
This project confirmed the importance of developing strong partnerships. The Library was able to connect with both educators from the Adult Learning Center and with outreach staff from USCIS to ensure the Library would purchase the proper materials for the collection. Library staff is constantly learning how to find tools to better help with the collection development. They also realized how important it is to connect with accredited agencies who assist with Citizenship paperwork as this was a resource for which they continue to receive requests. Staff will continue working towards connecting with more accredited agencies to provide assistance with naturalization paperwork. Resources and programs in the Citizenship/ESOL Corner will continue to be available to the community. The Library must promote these materials via their website and social media outlets especially in venues most likely to be used by their specific target group, members of the immigrant community. Collaboration with the Boston office of USCIS provided a level of expertise that kept the Library informed on any change in regulations. This project captured and highlighted the kind of impact a program like the Citizenship/ESOL class can have on the community. One of the Library staff members was a student in the Citizenship/ESOL class. Given her experience as a student during her first year of the class, she now plays an integral role in the development of the Citizenship Corner. The unique relationship with this student has helped the Library und better understand the needs of the community .
Do you anticipate continuing this project after the current reporting period ends:
Yes
Do you anticipate any change in level of effort in managing this project:
No
Explain:

Do you anticipate changing the types of activities and objectives addressed by the project:
No
Explain:

Was an evaluation conducted for this project:
Yes
Was a final written evaluation report produced:
Yes
Can the final written evaluation report be shared publicly on the IMLS website:
Yes
Was the evaluation conducted by project staff (either SLAA or local library) or by a third-party evaluator:
Third-Party
What data collection tools were used for any report outcomes and outputs:
Direct Observation
Participant Observation
Did you collect any media for the data:
What types of methods were used to analyze collected data:
Other:
How were participants (or items) selected:
Targeted Sample – We selected based on a desired characteristic, e.g. age.
What type of research design did you use to compare the value for any reported output or outcome:
Pre-post comparison for a reported output or outcome: See attached PDF above Lawrence Outcomes
Exemplary: Yes
Exemplary NarrativeLawrence is a community with tremendous challenges for its residents. For the past several years the school services have been under receivership and are managed by the State. When this project began it was the dream of the library director and her staff to create a viable space where the newcomer community could learn about the citizenship process and further their education. All of this has happened under the guidance of the director and assistant director who serves as project director. Having achieved a remarkable partnership with the Adult Learning Center and with the support from the Mayor's office this project has flourished. It will continue now the resources are in place and all parties have made a commitment to maintaining a viable learning center within the library. Resources like databases and materials will continue to be available for patrons and the newly established English Conversation Circle programs will help patrons practice their English. The COVID pandemic has taught staff that a virtual English Conversation Circle option can also be an effective learning tool. Lawrence is a city and therefore it has a fairly large library staff. For this reason, it has been an acknowledged need to continue with cultural competency trainings for staff. A strong partnership with the Adult Learning Center promises to continue. This project provided a sense of space for the community and its partners. Hosting a Naturalization Ceremony established precedence for future ceremonies to take place in the Library given USCIS 's limited options hold events due to COVID restrictions. This project allowed students from the Adult Learning Center enrolled in a Citizenship Class to witness an event they have been preparing to be part of; they were able to witness a dream of theirs coming close to becoming a reality. It also brought students’ learning to life.
Project Tags: ESOL; Citizenship