Newcomers to the United States and the people trying to help them are finding a crucial resource available in a very obvious place: the Denver Public Library.
DPL's Plaza Program has been around since 2008 and its main goal is to assist immigrants in acclimating to their new life in Denver and the states. And acclimating in various ways. For the past few months, as Denver has become home to thousands of migrants, the program has seen an uptick in interest and use from new arrivals.
"We're focused primarily on being an inclusive space. So our main goal is for people to connect and learn from each other," said Virginia Vassar, the Plaza Program manager. "We want to make space for people to meet up, talk, network. That's our primary goal."
Plaza is a free one-stop resource hub program that occurs weekly at eight branches across the DPL system. During the designated time slots, participants can engage in an array of services or ask a slew of questions. In one room, folks can find an English conversation group and in other spaces, happening at the same time, there will be computer assistance or citizenship and legal aid navigation classes.
Folks are encouraged to come in with the simplest, most mundane questions about their new lives and standings and staff members or other participants will assist them as best they can.
Vassar said the program serves as a guide to other services or avenues where help can be found.
"There's so many things that fall through the cracks of what services are offered for immigrants and refugees," Vassar said. "There's a lot of really specific programs with really specific eligibility, but then there's things that come up all day long that people just need to ask about and need to navigate. So that's kind of our role. That first place people go to in the community where they can ask those questions and there's no barriers to them doing that."
Vassar added that the community portion of the program is really the most successful aspect.
The name of the program, Plaza, stems from the idea that a "plaza" is a gathering place where people can go for a variety of services, especially in many Latino and Hispanic neighborhoods where the "square" is where everything occurs.
The program is very group focused. All the services are happening at once, so participants can jump from space to space, meeting new people and getting their various questions answered by staff but most importantly, each other.
So, through the name and services, the program seeks to create a community and a gathering place for a group of people who may be looking for their new community.
"People have the most to offer to each other, like people who've gone through similar experiences. That's the best help you're going to get is from people who are going through the same thing," Vassar said.
That community space has been vital in recent months with the significant uptick in newcomers Denver has seen. Vassar said the programs have seen an increase in new participants, especially in the English conversation groups. With the new participants, Vassar said many are at very beginner-level learning stages of English, so the program is being adjusted to accommodate the new needs.
That particular portion of the Plaza program is being offered at two migrant shelters and Vassar adds that the library is currently reaching out to groups who are assisting the newcomers to tell them about the program.
There's also been an increase in folks just dropping by during program hours or to libraries in general needing computer assistance, specifically with job applications and housing applications.
Here's where the Plaza program is available and how to access it:
The Plaza Program is free and available at the Green Valley Ranch, Montbello, Hampden, Ross-Barnum, University Hills, Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch in West Colfax, the Hadley Branch in Mar Lee and the Schlessman Branch in Lowry. Typically the Plaza Program is also held at the Athmar Park branch but with that location under construction, the program is being held at the Atmar Park Recreation Center at 2680 W. Mexico Ave.
Appointments aren't required and there are no eligibility requirements. No questions are asked about immigration status. Vassar said folks can just stop by anytime during the designated time of the program.
Plaza Program dates can be found on the individual branches' website. Programs typically start in the evenings. Vassar said children are welcome and can roam the library or participate in some simple arts and crafts.
People with questions can call 720-865-2362 or send an email to [email protected]
She added that the program is available for anyone who needs it and so are the library services in general.
"People do not think of the library as a place that belongs to them when they are an immigrant but that's why we exist. That's why the Plaza Program exists is to let people know that this is a resource that's for everyone," Vassar said. "The library spaces are warm, open spaces. They're safe spaces to be in for navigating things and trying to establish yourself in the community."
