Cultural Navigators and Liaisons in New Haven

The New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) Fellowship is a partnership with Dwight Hall at Yale and the New Haven Free Public Library. The NHFPL Fellowship is an opportunity for Yale students to immerse themselves in the community they live in. NHFPL Fellows will act as cultural navigators to create, plan, and implement pathways for diverse audiences to best utilize library resources. Through their work, Fellows will be able to learn with and from the New Haven community through planning activities and resources to build more equitable and accessible services at the library.

Fellows will primarily work at the Ives Main Branch but will have the opportunity to work at other branches.

The NHFPL Fellowship is funded by Dwight Hall at Yale and Phi Lamda Charitable Trust (PCLT), with gratitude to a devoted Phi Lambda USA member, Julian Suez, for his donation to this program in memory of his mother Rhoda How.

New Haven Free Public Library Fellowship

What is the NHFPL Fellowship?

The NHFPL Fellowship is an opportunity for those interested in cultural equity and equitable access to public resources (like public libraries and their offerings). Fellows will work with the New Haven Free Public Library to engage bilingual and monolingual Mandarin Chinese speaking audiences to build access and comfort with library resources. This could include but is not limited to hosting culturally relevant events, leading monolingual library tours, and researching materials to add to the library’s collection.

What will the NHFPL Fellows do?

Fellows will work directly with library staff supporting initiatives to engage monolingual and bilingual Mandarin Chinese speaking audiences through regular events, activities, and materials. Potential community partners for Fellows to work with include Affinity Federal Credit Union, CHATogether, Yale Center for British Art, and New Haven Public Schools. Fellows will also provide support and direction for the library during Lunar New Year to create and host programming.

NHFPL Fellows Time Expectations and Stipend

NHFPL Fellows will receive a stipend for the fall and spring semesters. Fellows will work approximately six hours a week.

“Cultural equity is about improving people’s quality of life.”

— Luis Chavez-Brumell
Deputy Director, New Haven Free Public Library

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FAQs

Who is eligible?

All students at Yale University are eligible to apply. Applicants must have at least L4 level of Mandarin or equivalent to apply.

How do I apply?

Apply through the online application.

When is the application deadline?

September 20, 2024

When is the start date?

Fellows will begin in October 2024.

What is the selection process?

After the application deadline, all written applications will be reviewed. Top applicants will be invited to interview.

I still have questions. What should I do?

Contact staff.

Attend an info session. All info sessions are 12-1 pm at 442 Temple Streets.

Tuesday, September 10
Wednesday, September 18

Ives Squared at Ives Main Branch. Ives Squared is designed to inspire and augment the vibrant civic and entrepreneurial culture of the New Haven community

New Haven Free Public Library

Mission

The New Haven Free Public Library fosters lifelong learning, inspires curiosity, and builds community through shared access to resources, experiences, and opportunities for all.

Vision

Now and tomorrow, the New Haven Free Public Library will transform lives and contribute to creating a strong, resilient, and informed community where everyone can thrive.

Values

Advance Literacy; Foster Learning and Achievement; Provide Access to Knowledge; Empower Economic Success; Inspire Exploration; Promote Connection and Collaboration; Deliver World-Class Service