As California's growing Latino/Hispanic population continues to flourish, it needs the opportunities for personal and educational development that libraries can offer. In support of these opportunities Bibliotecas para la Gente is an organization committed to the delivery of quality library services to the Spanish-speaking and Latinos of Northern California.

Since 1975, Bibliotecas has provided a forum in which those involved or interested in Spanish language library services can meet, exchange information, ideas, and resources, and unite in the promotion of library services to the Latino community.

Bibliotecas actively advocates the development of Latino materials in library collections, the recruitment of bilingual/bicultural individuals to libraries and library schools, and the development of services and programs to meet the needs of the community. Bibliotecas also works toward educating the public regarding services already available.

Bibliotecas holds bimonthly membership meeting at various locations throughout Northern California. We host guest speakers involved in services to Hispanics. Our members work together to develop and publish bibliographies, annotated lists, and guides. They help answer the Latino community's information and library related needs. In an effort to nurture development of minority library professionals, we are involved in mentor programs with Bay area library schools. Bibliotecas also sponsors workshops and host receptions at various library conferences in conjunction with other ethnic resource groups.

Bibliotecas para la Gente is a chapter of Reforma . Each year the chapter elects a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. In addition, members serve on and support project committees on a local, state, and national level which seek to address the information needs of Latinos. We welcome as members all persons and institutions who support the goals of improving library services to the Latino and Spanish-speaking community.