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ALI Refugee Resettlement Resources

ALI Information Literacy Committee Task Force

This guide was created by a task force of the Academic Libraries of Indiana Information Literacy Committee

Task Force Members:
Eric Bradley | Goshen College / PALNI
Anna Brinegar | Ivy Tech Community College
Catherine Pellegrino | Saint Mary's College

Resources for Refugees

English Language Learning (in person)

English Language Learning (online)

Statewide Resources

Resources for People Working Directly with Refugees

Collections, programs, and events that public libraries can offer refugees.

Collections:

  • English language instructional materials
  • Citizenship and immigration resources
  • Tutor resource materials
  • Dictionaries in multiple languages
  • Novels translated into other languages
  • “How-to” books in multiple languages
  • Periodicals and newspapers in different languages
  • Information on various ethnic groups and cultures
  • Original source materials
  • Music and video resources
  • Forms, brochures, and directories for community services

Programs and Events:

  • Community resources seminars
  • “American Issues” and civics discussion groups
  • Cultural activities and holiday events
  • On-site English language and citizenship classes
  • Conversation-practice groups
  • Free seminars by immigration lawyers
  • Book clubs
  • Voter education seminars
  • Health seminars
  • Family literacy programs
  • Computer literacy programs

Public spaces with technology / internet access

Resources for People Who Want to Help But Not Currently Working Directly with Refugees

Organizations coordinating local refugee resettlement efforts:
National Organizations:

Indiana Organizations, Indianapolis:

Indiana Organizations, Northern Indiana:

Ways to support local refugee resettlement efforts:

  • Financial donations
  • Household items
  • Transportation
  • Hosting refugees in one’s home
  • Mentorship
  • Tutoring
  • English as a Second Language instruction

Resources for Community Members

News coverage about the resettlement project in Indiana

Information about how refugee resettlement works in the United States in general:

Primary organizations in Indiana who are helping the refugees get resettled:

Fiction titles:

Resources for Library Workers

Library Vocabulary

Resources from INSPIRE

Citizenship Info and Tools

Program Ideas

  • Host event with local organizations that support refugees/immigrants
  • Storytime:
    Storytimes in Arabic, Spanish, etc; bilingual storytimes. Storytime using immigrant/refugee focused stories

Resources to start or enhance services for New Americans at your library

Book & Display Ideas

Examples of other Public Library services/websites for immigrants and refugees