Somali Stories
Dakota County Library
Innovation Synopsis
Dakota County Library and a local author and educator co-created a special series of Somali storytimes designed to promote culture, language and community. Children of Somali descent connect with their heritage and language by listening to stories, singing, playing and learning, creating ties between families and the Library.
Challenge/Opportunity
The Somali American community is part of a multifaceted diaspora, with many having lived worldwide before coming to Minnesota, while others are third-generation Americans. Somali families sought ways to build connections between families and connect their children to their heritage and language at the library. The library innovated to create the Somali Stories program, resulting from relationship building between staff and the community, where 15% of children in the local school district speak Somali at home.
Key Elements of Innovation
Somali Stories’ integrates elements of Somali culture and language into storytime, learning, play and socialization. Storytime begins with Maanta Maanta, the anthem of peace and solidarity for Somali people. Traditional elements of storytime, including reading, singing and rhyming, are shared in Somali and in English, as needed, along with unstructured play and time for connection. Flexibility is vital; leaders adjust activities to the ages of the youth attending and make space for them to be energetic and imaginative.
Achieved Outcomes
Outcomes
• Affirms Somali identity and culture
• Strengthens relationships
• Introduces Somali language and books to families
Indicators of Success
• 38 average attendance
• 100% met someone new
Formed friendships/Mom’s group
• 90% learned something new
Somali songs and elements of Somali language
• 90% rated Somali Stories 5 out 5; 10% rated 4
• Storyteller shared "This class brings joy to families. It gives families the tools needed to share traditional stories, while promoting literacy."
