Global Academy Library: A Multilingual Haven for Learning and Inclusion
In the Kansas City, Missouri Public School system, the Global Academy Library stands as a testament to the power of equity and inclusion in education. BeGreat Together proudly partnered with the school in 2022 to help kick off the library’s development process. Since then, it has continued to undergo remarkable transformations, spearheading initiatives that not only cater to the diverse student body but also foster an environment of creativity and learning.
The Global Academy Library has acquired an extensive collection of books, catering to a multitude of languages, such as Karen, Indonesian, Swahili, Spanish, French, Sudanese Arabic, Pashto, Farsi, and Russian. The library serves as a linguistic mosaic, embracing the rich diversity of its student population. Students have the unique opportunity to check out books in their native languages, fostering a connection to their roots and bridging the gap between their cultural identities and their new-found educational environments.
Dr Ryan Rumpf, the principal of Global Academy, reflected on the transformative journey of the library: "The original space was cluttered and didn't inspire much creativity. We are starting our third year of developing this multilingual library, and it is just night and day from what it used to be. The students have taken full advantage of the new books and resources."
The physical space of the library has also been thoughtfully redesigned to enhance the learning experience. Movable walls offer flexibility, allowing the space to be adjusted for both group activities and individual instruction. These walls are equipped with whiteboards for teachers to lead dynamic lessons and engage students. The library is no longer just a repository of books; it's an interactive space that fosters creativity and collaborative learning.
Global Academy’s approach aligns with research conducted by the Journal of Librarianship and Information Science. The journal writes on how multilingual libraries provide physical and metaphorical ‘spaces’ within communities. Here are some key impact points they discovered:
Community Integration:
Multilingual libraries serve as vital community hubs, fostering connections among diverse linguistic and cultural groups.
The research underscores the role of such libraries in bridging gaps between communities, promoting understanding, and facilitating social cohesion.
Cultural Affirmation:
The library acts as a symbol of cultural affirmation, offering literature in various languages that reflects the diverse identities of community members.
Educational Empowerment:
Accessible resources in multiple languages empower non-native speakers, facilitating language acquisition and literacy development.
Flexible Learning Spaces:
Dynamic learning spaces within multilingual libraries enhance adaptability, accommodating diverse learning needs.
Teacher Engagement:
The research underscores the crucial role of educators and librarians in promoting a multilingual library's success.
The Global Academy Library, in its evolution, mirrors the transformative power of multilingual libraries. As a physical and metaphorical ‘space’, it not only houses a diverse collection of books but also actively contributes to the cultural, educational, and social enrichment of its students and the broader community. As the Global Academy Library enters a new phase of growth and development, it stands as an example of how educational institutions can embrace diversity and create spaces that cater to the unique needs of every student. In doing so, they foster a love for learning that transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries, preparing students for success in an interconnected world.