Group opposes Spanish library branches in Denver

A plan by the Denver Public Library to develop branches that focus on Spanish-language library materials has drawn fire from U.S. English, an organization that has long resisted attempts to give any language other than English semi-official status. The organization says, among other things, that the plan discriminates against immigrants who speak languages other than Spanish.
 
"Denver's action is a dubious first in American history: a major U.S. city is creating a public institution that intentionally excludes native-born Americans," said Mauro E. Mujica, chairman of the board of U.S. English Inc., in a press release. "This action goes against the model of assimilation that has successfully served the United States for centuries."
 
According to an article in the Rocky Mountain News, the plan is part of an overall reform plan for the library system. Under the proposal, each branch would provide a basic set of library materials and services, but some branches would focus on materials for particular groups such as the Hispanic immigrant community. The article said that the library reform plan has found general support, but that the portion regarding language emphasis has drawn fire from various groups and been a hot topic on Denver talk radio.