Berwyn library adds immigration services to wide array of offerings

BERWYN – For many local residents, the Berwyn Public Library is more than just a place that promotes literacy. From ESL classes to craft corners to senior yoga, the library on South Harlem Avenue has transformed into a one-stop shop for free neighborhood resources for people of all ages.

And it’s not unusual to see the library become a site for organizations or even outsource its services. Every month, the West Suburban Landlord Association hosts its meetings there, and every week, library staff make their way over to the World’s Largest Laundromat on West Cermak Road for child-focused reading sessions.

“Public libraries should represent and meet their communities – meet the information needs of the community members,” said Kelly MacGregor, head of outreach at the Berwyn Public Library.

In recent months, MacGregor has added one more service to the list: select library staff can now help residents apply for U.S. citizenship and renew a green card or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) request.

Through the Department of Justice's Recognition and Accreditation Program, trained staff, who are known as accredited representatives, can work closely with clients and offer one-on-one assistance at no cost. The forms for those immigration benefits are available in both Spanish and English and can be found on the library's website at berwynlibrary.org.

As the Berwyn library’s first accredited representative, MacGregor shared how important it is to create a safe space for immigrants to come in, feel comfortable and speak with a trusted individual.

“There are so many scams out there and people get misinformed all the time,” MacGregor said. “There needs to be a place where they know they can go and they can ask a question and they can get an accurate answer.”

With that, MacGregor noted that clients in need of assistance with immigration benefits that are outside of what she can offer will be referred to qualified agencies, but nonetheless, she encourages people to make the move and reach out.

“Everybody – every Berwyn community member – is welcome in this public library,” she said, “or at any public library. Our role is to support the community and their information needs, whatever that is.”

For information, email the Berwyn Public Library at askus@berwynlibrary.org or visit berwynlibrary.org/services/immigration.