¿Tiene algo apartado?

If you don't know what the above sentence means, www.thelearninglight.com might be just what you need. The Web site is offering free flash cards to help librarians better serve their Spanish-speaking patrons.

The Library Phrase Lists, offered in PDF format, include essential Spanish words and phrases that are library- specific—terms such as checking out and renewing items, and features of the library, such as circulation desk and computers. There's also a handout on the Dewey classification system that can be printed out and given to Spanish-speaking patrons to help them locate materials they find in the catalog.

The Learning Light's primary product is a beginning-level text-based Spanish course developed specifically for librarians called Spanish That Works . It costs $525 and up, depending on the size of the library. Rather than stress vocabulary and grammar, the course offers instruction in Spanish conversation. For instance, participants can learn how to help a Spanish-speaking patron obtain a library card and find materials.

The aim of both the flash cards and the course is to empower library staff to better help Latino patrons and make them feel welcome in the library.

Maria Hernandez, outreach librarian of the City of Mesa (AZ) Library, found Spanish That Works offered her colleagues a "stress-free learning environment." She says that "I now have 32 library staff members who are willing and able to assist Spanish-speaking patrons with their library questions."

(By the way, "¿Tiene algo apartado?" means "Do you have something on hold?")