Contact Name: Don Wilson, dwilson@hplct.org
Type of Initiative: Inclusion and Tolerance 
Initiative Partners: West Indian Social Club, Greater Hartford Legal Aid, State of CT, local attorneys, USCIS

Description:

The Hartford Public Library, along with its partner the West Indian Social Club, is sponsoring and hosting an event to bring people together for networking, discussion and sharing information about immigration related issues. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with each other and with experts in the field. Representatives from Greater Hartford Legal Aid, the State Commissioner of Consumer Affairs and local immigration attorneys will speak and discuss questions and issues as part of a panel presentation. Topics include immigrant rights, consumer protection, children’s safety, Library resources for immigrants and pathways to citizenship.  Flyer available at: http://www.hplct.org/assets/uploads/files/West%20Indian%20Social%20Club_March_2017.pdf

In addition, the Hartford Public Library has a robust suite of services for immigrants: http://www.hplct.org/library-services/immigration-citizenship/immigration

The American Place (TAP) is a free program of Hartford Public Library designed to welcome immigrants and ease their transition into their new home city. TAP promotes Hartford’s shared civic values and its vibrant cultural multiplicity.

Legal Advice: HPL is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice, Board of Immigration Appeals to provide legal advice and representation by accredited staff in matters before United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

Education: HPL provides free English and Citizenship classes as well as independent study resources.

Volunteer Cultural Navigators: TAP recruits and trains volunteers to offer mentoring and tutoring to new immigrant arrival families.