MONTROSE – The Montrose Regional Library District has received a $15,000 grant from the Colorado State Library and Institute for Museum and Library Services to improve library service for Spanish speakers in Montrose and Olathe.

The grant seeks to increase the Spanish-speaking community’s awareness of library services, improve the District’s Spanish language collection, and implement activities to enhance computer, English, and literacy skills for Spanish speakers.  The grant will benefit both the Montrose Library and the Bookmobile, which serves Olathe and outlying areas. 

“We are excited to offer better service to a growing and vital part of our community,” said Paul Paladino, director of the Montrose Regional Library District. “We seek nothing less than the enrichment of lives through improved literacy, enhanced employment opportunities, and greater community participation.  ¡Bienvenidos a la biblioteca!”

Twenty-eight Colorado libraries and agencies competed for ten grants totaling nearly $200,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered through the Colorado State Library.

Items funded by the grant include $8,500 in new books, movies, audiobooks, and children’s educational games; a new “Spanish Language Family Computer Station” in the children’s area (complete with a Spanish operating system, software, and keyboard; an instructor for Spanish computer classes and training for Adult Basic Education tutors; Spanish classes for library staff; and programming, including bilingual storyteller Joe Hayes and a “Día de la Comunidad,” or a “Community Day at the Library.”