Are you or is someone in your life interested in American citizenship? Sonoma County Library’s “New American Collection” launched in all 12 branches on September 17, 2019, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day. This collection is for those interested in citizenship, civics, and naturalization, primarily the immigrant population of Sonoma County.

The New American Collection empowers community members by providing easily browsable, multilingual, multimedia materials in support of acquiring citizenship and learning English.

“The County of Sonoma continues our commitment to be a safe and inclusive community,” said Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Chair David Rabbitt. “We applaud the library’s efforts to put together the New American Collection aimed at informing all of our residents about civics and paths to citizenship.”

By including these resources in one collection, the library provides anyone interested with relevant information to help them gain and secure civil rights and participate more fully in their communities. Nationwide, slightly more than half of immigrants are non-citizens. Native-born citizens may also benefit from the collection by learning about their rights and privileges as citizens, especially those with friends, family, or coworkers who are non-citizens.

The New American Collection includes materials in English, Spanish, and other world languages. Materials include books, CDs, DVDs, and more. Resources circulate and/or are freely given away. Example titles include: “U.S. Immigration Made Easy,” “How to Get a Green Card,” and “Fiancé & Marriage Visas.” Find these titles at your local branch!

To learn more about the New American Collection, visit your local library branch. The New American Collection is free and available to all. Materials can be checked out with a Sonoma County Library card, which is available to all county residents, regardless of immigration status. For more information on how to sign up for a library card, visit any Sonoma County Library branch in person or go to sonomalibrary.org.