Excitement fills the community room at the Mitchell Public Library as children engage in a vibrant bilingual story time, recently restored after a year-long pause. The program, a collaborative effort between the library and the Ramos family, has become a significant cultural bridge for families in the Mitchell community.
The Ramos family, consisting of Ezequiel, Gina, and their 7-year-old daughter Emma, have embraced this initiative as a way to encourage language learning and cultural exchange. Originally from Mexico City, Ezequiel and Gina moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. Ezequiel, formerly a veterinarian, and Gina, a dentist, faced licensing challenges that prevented them from continuing their professions in the U.S. Ezequiel now works as a technician for Pipestone System, contributing to the local agricultural industry.
Reviving a Community Treasure
The bilingual story time originated online in October 2020 during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Jean Patrick, the children’s services director, and Ada Morales, the program quickly captured interest, reaching families beyond Mitchell. “It just spread,” Patrick recalled. “When the library reopened, we wanted to bring it back in person.” The transition saw attendance soar, with summer sessions accommodating between 12 to 24 children.
Emma first attended story time when she was 18 months old. Fluent in Spanish and learning English at school, she has developed a passion for reading and language arts. Now in elementary school, Emma serves as a bridge for her family, often translating words between English and Spanish. Her enthusiasm resonates with other children, many of whom are experiencing Spanish for the first time.
The bilingual program paused after Morales’s departure, leading to English-only sessions that saw modest attendance. Recognizing the community’s desire for bilingual instruction, Ezequiel approached Patrick about reviving the program with his family’s involvement. “I wanted to share my culture and help the kids learn,” he said.
A Collaborative Effort
Today, the bilingual story time is a collaborative effort, with Patrick and the Ramos family alternating readings in English and Spanish. They prepare by reviewing books, translating text, and planning interactive activities. “The children absorb the language as play rather than study,” Ezequiel noted, emphasizing the program’s focus on cultural immersion.
Patrick believes this initiative aligns with the library’s mission to serve all community members. The bilingual sessions foster understanding and remove barriers, bringing families together through storytelling. Children enthusiastically repeat words like cola (tail), patas (feet), arriba (up), and abajo (down), showcasing their engagement and excitement.
Longtime participant Michelle Boos highlighted the program’s value, stating, “It’s fascinating for kids to realize that an object they know, like a cat, has a completely different name in another language.” The bilingual experience illustrates the differences in how children and adults acquire language, with Ezequiel sharing his challenges as an adult learner compared to Emma’s ease in picking up English at preschool.
To keep the sessions interactive, Patrick and the Ramos family carefully select books that resonate in both languages. Some texts provide printed translations, while others require advance preparation to ensure effective communication. “Reading bilingually takes longer, but we maintain attention through thoughtful pacing and interaction,” Patrick explained.
The program has also strengthened the Ramos family’s connection to the Mitchell community. Ezequiel noted that people now recognize them, stopping to say hello. Social media posts about the bilingual story time have garnered strong engagement, further promoting community ties.
Families attending span a diverse spectrum, including Spanish-speaking households maintaining their language and English-speaking families eager to introduce their children to new linguistic experiences. “Books unite us; we’re sharing a story together,” Patrick stated. For Ezequiel, bilingualism opens doors to broader career opportunities and enhances communication within the family. He aims to learn at least one new English word daily, ensuring he can connect with Emma and understand her world.
As the session concludes, Emma claps her hands, exclaiming Spanish words with pride, while laughter fills the room, a testament to the success and joy of the revived bilingual story time.
