WORCESTER – Monday, March 3, 2025 – On Thursday, February 27, the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School unveiled its new multilingual library during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by students, school and district staff, and community members.
The library is the first of its kind in Worcester Public Schools, featuring an extensive and growing collection of 4,987 multilingual books, primarily in Spanish and English. The collection is designed to serve the school’s multilingual student body which includes over 75% Latino students.
“The opening of the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School’s multilingual library is a testament to the power of community involvement and the rich diversity of the school community,” said WPS Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez, PhD. “When we embrace multilingualism, we honor and learn from various voices, cultures, and experiences of our scholars – giving them the tools to thrive in a global society.”
“The opening of this library is a true testament to the power of community involvement and collaboration,” said Principal Suzanna Resendes. “This project will make a lasting impact on our scholars, providing them with greater access to diverse literature to foster a love of reading for all.”
The new library aims to enhance family and community engagement at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School while supporting literacy for students through increased access to books and media in multiple languages.
Aislinn Doyle, Worcester Dual Language Magnet School parent, and co-chair of the school’s library committee, speaks with attendees about the future vision for the school’s multilingual library on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
The effort to build the multilingual library has been led by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), whose dedication and hard work have made this project a reality.
The PTO has raised a total of $18,630 in cash donations and $40,100 in in-kind contributions to help build the library. Volunteers from the school’s PTO currently staff the library, allowing 29 classes at the school to participate in weekly library visits.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, members of the school staff and PTO shared their vision for the future of the library, discussing plans to further enhance the space and its offerings. Superintendent Monárrez also took part in the ceremony, delighting the audience with a reading of Soñadores by Yuyi Morales.
The Worcester Dual Language Magnet School Chorus performs during the ribbon-cutting of the school’s new multilingual library on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
Students of Worcester Dual Language Magnet School sit together in the new multilingual library following the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
A look at some of the multilingual reading options available for students in the new library at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
A full room of parents, students, staff and community members at Worcester Dual Language Magnet School for the ribbon-cutting of the school’s new multilingual library on Thursday, February 27, 2025.(Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
Superintendent Rachel H. Monárrez reads Soñadores by Yuyi Morales to a room of guests during the Worcester Dual Language Magnet School multilingual library ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)
Alongside Principal Suzanna Resendes, students of Worcester Dual Language Magnet School give a reading of Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman during the multilingual library ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, February 27, 2025. (Kyle Prudhomme/WPS)