By Suzanne Yowler
Special to the NKyTribune
Originally from Mexico, Maria Waite arrived in the United States 18 years ago. She and her husband Michael live in Florence with their three children ages 21, 16 and 12.
The family has been coming to the library for 16 years.
Family with origins in Mexico celebrates traditions with help from the Boone County Public Library
“The kids can play on the computers and I can relax,” Maria said.
In addition to computer time, the family takes advantage of all the library has to offer from borrowing books and movies to the educational/entertaining programs.
“We especially like the programs that celebrate Mexican traditions (like Three Kings Day and the Carnival of Cultures),” Maria explained. “We come to the programs as a family.” She added Family Reading Night was another favorite.
Adriana Silva, a Youth Services associate at Florence, said the Waites help promote library programs by telling their family and friends.
As a Mexican native herself, Adriana helps many of the Spanish-speaking customers at Florence in a variety of ways.
For Maria, she has translated many important documents like letters from Immigration Services. She also helped Maria write a letter requesting financial assistance when Maria’s mother was in the hospital.
Adriana taught Maria, her sisters and her brothers-in-law basic computer skills through a series of one-on-one classes over several weeks. She also provides homework assistance for Maria’s younger son. Maria has just started the process of finishing her GED and looking for a job. The library was one of the first places she turned for help.
Maria also enjoys attending the adult programs and mentioned she and her daughter planned to participate in the essential oils class at Florence.
“There is always something new to do at the library,” Maria said.
A Circulation Assistant at the BCPL Florence Branch, Suzanne Yowler started her career in journalism and public relations. She established a free-lance writing business after her first son was born almost 20 years ago.