FORT WAYNE, Ind. – The Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is expanding its multilingual offerings with a new bilingual storytime aimed at families of Myanmar heritage. The inaugural Mon‑language session will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Main Library’s StoryScape area.
Program details
The session is designed for children from birth through preschool and their caregivers. A traditional Mon cultural tale will be read in both Mon and English, allowing children to hear the story in their home language while simultaneously building early literacy skills in English.
Why bilingual storytimes matter
ACPL Youth Services Coordinator Gabi Jauregui explained that the program gives Mon‑speaking families a visible place in the community and helps young learners develop a solid foundation in English. “We want to celebrate the languages that make up our community and give families a welcoming space to share their heritage,” Jauregui said.
The library notes that bilingual programming also supports immigrant and refugee families as they adjust to a new community, preserving cultural connections while easing the transition to life in the United States.
Building on existing language programs
This new offering adds to ACPL’s existing Spanish and German storytimes, which launched earlier this year. All ACPL storytimes are free and open to the public, though the library encourages advance registration to ensure adequate space.
Families can view the full bilingual storytime schedule on ACPL’s events calendar and sign up for the Mon session online or by contacting the library directly.
Community impact
Fort Wayne’s growing immigrant population includes a notable community of Myanmar‑origin families who have arrived as refugees and newcomers over the past decade. Providing a dedicated Mon‑language storytime reflects ACPL’s commitment to serving all residents, reinforcing the city’s tradition of welcoming diverse cultures.
Local parents have expressed enthusiasm for the program, noting that hearing a story in their native tongue validates their children’s identity and encourages pride in their heritage.
How to attend
To participate, families should register through the library’s website or call the Main Library’s information desk. The storytime will be held in the StoryScape room, which is equipped with child‑friendly seating and a welcoming atmosphere.
ACPL plans to evaluate attendance and feedback after the first session, with the goal of adding additional Mon‑language dates if demand warrants.
About Allen County Public Library
Founded in 1902, the Allen County Public Library serves more than 300,000 residents across Allen County. In addition to its extensive collection of books and digital resources, the library offers a wide range of programs for children, teens, and adults, including literacy workshops, technology classes, and cultural events.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
