A library that patrons refer to as “tiny but mighty” is being recognized with the highest national honor given to libraries.
For its “significant and exceptional contributions” to the community, the Highwood Public Library was selected to receive the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ 2021 National Medal Award.
The IMLS, a federal agency tasked with being the primary source of support for the nation’s libraries and museums, officially made the announcement last week.
Library executive director Carmen Patna said she’s proud of her work and that of her staff and volunteers, but still can’t believe the small library — that to date provides services for 2,000 cardholders — won the prestigious award.
“We are humbled by this recognition from IMLS and feel empowered to continue to move forward to create new pathways that expand the incredible resources and programming the library offers,” Patlan said.
The Highwood library is being recognized for an umbrella program titled Bridging Resources to Educational Access and Knowledge (BREAK), from which all of its initiatives stem.
Through BREAK, the library’s ambassadors — a core group of volunteers who are fluent in Spanish and English — consistently reach out to the community to find out what barriers are preventing upward mobility and success in areas such as jobs, careers, parenting and academics.
Once barriers are identified, Patlan said the work entails creating programming around those needs.
Most recently, that’s included COVID-testing and vaccine drives, a regularly scheduled food pantry and the distribution of PPE.
In that way, a program taught by volunteer Fabio Gomez, of Highland Park is not the average ESL class. Instead, it’s more of a survival ESL, Patlan said.
Spanish-speaking adults are taught how to navigate public transportation, make doctors’ appointments and job searches.
Patlan said many immigrant families get stuck not knowing how to figure out the system, and feel overwhelmed.
Much of the programming put in place when Patlan took the executive director position two years ago is geared toward the large immigrant community living in Highwood and Highland Park, a demographic she found wasn’t utilizing the library.
According to the most recent U.S. Census data, nearly half of the city’s 5,224 residents identify as Hispanic.
An immigrant from Mexico who came to the U.S. at age 8, Patlan is passionate about assisting those who need a helping hand.
“I have been witness to what could happen if you offer individuals the opportunity to learn. They grow and become more confident and secure of themselves,” Patlans said. “Then they want to pay it forward, and that’s when you create that ripple effect of change and prosperity; when people are no longer in survival mode.”
Gomez said Patlan saw his potential over a decade ago when she recruited him to be a volunteer at the Waukegan Public Library, where Patlan was community engagement and development manager, and then again in Highwood.
Originally from El Salvador, Gomez also coordinates the GED classes from where eight students have already graduated, with some now enrolled in college.
“People are so hungry to find ways to empower their kids and their family,” Gomez said.
It was U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Deerfield, who originally nominated the library for the IMLS award for its programming. He calls its services a “doorway to progress and opportunity.”
“Under Executive Director Carmen Patlan’s leadership, the Highwood Public Library has transformed into a vital hub of support for local families and the growing immigrant population in Highwood,” Schneider said in a news release. “The Highwood library’s technology and education services help ensure that local children and families of all backgrounds have the tools they need to succeed.”
Patrons, staff, volunteers and leadership of the Highwood Public Library have other achievements of which to be proud and celebrate.
This month, a capital campaign to renovate the library building met its goal of $2 million.
It had been awarded a $671,000 matching construction state grant, with The Friends of Highwood Public Library, the group overseeing the renovation project, tasked to raise the remaining $1.3 million by June.
Patlan said it’s significant the money was raised during a pandemic.
The plan to turn the outdated library building into a 21st century facility with a community center includes the addition of collaborative work areas that support STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) learning experiences, has interactive learning exhibits for early learners and modernizes its meeting room, along with enhancing the environment with updated lighting, new carpeting and book displays.
Highwood resident Lu Santi, a patron for 35 years, said the IMLS award is well-deserved and although she’s excited for the upcoming remodeling of the space, her library, “doesn’t need to change a thing.”
Patlan is eager to use what will be the community center in one section of the library, where through leveraging partnerships with county organizations, more resources and programs will be available.
“Now the fun begins,” she said.
The Highwood Public Library was one of six recipients this year — the only one in Illinois — selected from a pool of 30 national finalists. The IMLS award will be presented at a virtual ceremony in July.
