US Citizenship Podcast: Citizenship Resources for National Library Week

See the original NLW 1958 poster

In honor of Thomas Jefferson's Birthday (April 13, 1743), US Citizenship Podcast celebrates National Library Week 2019. Libraries help transform immigrants into newUScitizens-to-be by providing including study guides, cds/dvds, online courses, and ESL/Citizenship classes. Learn more about US Citizenship at your local library!

POP QUIZ Background:

After the British burned U.S. capital to the ground (1814), Jefferson donated his personal library to the US government. Jefferson's library became the core of the Library of Congress, the national library of the United States.

POP QUIZ Civics Questions

Name one war fought by the United States in the 1800s.
Name one branch or part of the government.*
Who makes federal laws?
What are two rights of everyone living in the United States?
What is the capital of the United States?*

USCIS.gov: Libraries
Libraries play a critical role in serving immigrant communities. Through our joint effort with IMLS, we plan to educate librarians, and in turn their immigrant customers, on topics ranging from naturalization, the unauthorized practice of immigration law, and the importance of digital literacy.

Library and Adult Education Citizenship Activities (PDF, 410 KB)
Citizenship-related activities for libraries, such as welcoming and encouragement activities, community-outreach activities, and education-oriented activities.
Assisting English Language Learners in Your Library (PDF, 139 KB)
Suggestions for helping your English language learning patrons.
Library Tours with ESL Classes (PDF, 190 KB)
Tips for working with English as a second language (ESL) teachers and inviting new patrons to your library to help them explore the vast range of services and resources you provide.
Creating a Citizenship Review Class in a Public Library (PDF, 499 KB)
This tip sheet will give an overview of citizenship review classes and provide a sample model.

American Library Association:

2020 Census Resources (note "Citizenship Question)
Libraries and the 2020 Census (ALA "brief")
#LibrariesRespond: Immigrants, Refugees, and Asylum Seekers Resources
The Dollar Tree American Dream Literacy Initiative (great examples about grants funding Citizenship classes in public libraries)

Arlington TV: U.S. Naturalization Ceremony at Arlington VA Central Library (video)
U. S. General Naturalization Ceremony held April 12, 2018 at the Arlington Central Library, Arlington, VA.

Arlington County Library: Special US Naturalization - Arlington VA
with Deaf Performance of the Star Spangled Banner by Mayari Loza

Burton Barr Library Youth Naturalization Ceremony 2012
Phoenix area residents take the Oath of Allegiance and become U.S. citizens during a special ceremony at Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix. Members of the Library Teen Council facilitate the event.

Hartford Public Library: The American Place (TAP)
HPL/TAP is a free program of Hartford Public Library designed to welcome immigrants and ease their transition into their new home city. TAP promotes Hartford’s shared civic values and its vibrant cultural multiplicity. Check out HPL/TAP course: Citizenship on the Go.

**video: Naturalization Ceremonies @ Hartford Public Library
**video: Rabbit Ears Media: Library Citizenship Project 1
**video: Rabbit Ears Media: Library Citizenship Project 2
**video: Rabbit Ears Media: Library Citizenship Project 3

Folsom Library Helps Welcome New US Citizens
The Folsom Library hosts the swearing in of 25 new US Citizens. This is the ninth year that the US Citizenship Immigration Services has partnered with the library to present this ceremony.

200 New Citizens Take Oath At JFK Library
Two hundred immigrants became American citizens at JFK Library in Boston. WBZ-TV's Ken MacLeod reports. Published on Feb 9, 2017.

The Jones Library Study Guides for The Citizenship Test
The Jones Library E.S.L. Center is an award winning program providing volunteer tutors, tutoring space, study materials, computer-assisted instruction, citizenship classes, English classes and referrals to adult immigrants in the Amherst area. Check out their pdf/audio study guides.

The Kansas City Public Library: Naturalization Ceremony at Central Library
On Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 about 110 applicants from 45 countries were sworn in as citizens of the United States.

King County Library: Becoming a U.S. Citizen
Learn how to become a U.S. Citizen and study for the naturalization test.

Los Angeles Public Library - Community Member Testimonial by Sergio Sanchez
I have always had a dream to one day become a citizen of the United States because this country opens doors for everyone who wants to be successful and build a family. I am so grateful to the Los Angeles Public Library for helping me and my family reach our dreams. The library helped me—and my wife—become citizens, it helped me improve my English, and it helped my son with his education so he could go to college to become a chemical engineer.

Louisville Free Public Library (FaceBook post)

On March 1, 2019, we welcomed 99 new American citizens from 35 home countries today at the Naturalization Ceremony!

Pima Library: Welcome to America
Pima County Public Library recognizes, welcomes, and celebrates immigrants for their contributions to our shared success.

Otis Library: Naturalization Ceremony at Otis Library on April 13, 2018
Otis Library leads in our community by hosting a Naturalization Ceremony for 19 New US Citizens from 13 different countries during National Library Week

Salt Lake City Public Library's President's Day Naturalization Ceremony
Salt Lake City welcomed 29 new citizens to the United States at the Downtown library, with remarks from President Obama and Mayor Biskupski.

San Francisco Public Libraries Citizenship Resources
Prepare for the USCIS naturalization interview with the helpful resources available in several languages at sfpl.org, including a guide to naturalization, detailed practice materials for the citizenship exam, and a list of local organizations that can help you with the naturalization process. Check out their SFPL multilingual citizenship videos.

Schaumburg Library Citizenship Oath Ceremony
See footage from a Citizenship Ceremony at the Schaumburg Library. Approximately 70 immigrants became new US citizens.

West Irving Library Citizenship Classes (video)
In a special class offered at the West Irving Library, some people are getting help in their quest to become U.S. citizens.

Santa Clara County Library Citizenship Resources
Prepare for U.S. citizenship with these helpful resources, including a guide to naturalization, detailed practice materials for the citizenship exam, and a list of web resources that can help you with the naturalization process.