PRESS RELEASE
APRIL 8, 2009 CONTACT: Norman Fitzpatrick
Director of Adult Programs
Poudre River Public Library District
(970) 224-6122 direct
nfitzpatrick@fcgov.com
LIBRARY PANEL FOCUSES ON HISTORY
OF LOCAL IMMIGRATION
FORT COLLINS, Colorado – The Poudre River Public Library District announces Immigration in
Colorado: The Historical Diversity of Colorado from the Earliest Beginnings, a panel discussion
on Monday, April 13, 6:30pm to 9pm at the Elks Lodge, 140 East Oak Street. The event is free to
the public.
The moderated panel will present the impact of immigration on Colorado from a
historical perspective. This initial discussion will provide the historical context and foundation
necessary to open the topic up to a future dialogue about current immigration issues.
“It’s important to first learn from our immigration history to better understand today’s
complex immigration challenges,” said Norman Fitzpatrick, Poudre River Public Library District’s
Director of Adult Programs.
“The Library plans to host a future panel discussion representing both sides of the
immigration debate,” said Fitzpatrick. “Before we enter into that next level of dialogue, we
need to set the stage by sharing our local stories and by providing historical context. The format
of the April 13 event is designed for that purpose.”
Dr. Paul Alexander will moderate five local panelists: Dr. Noberto Valdez, CSU Professor
Ethnic Studies; Blane Harding, CSU Professor Ethnic Studies; Dr. Anita Alves Pena, CSU Professor
Economics; Kim Baker-Medina, Immigration Lawyer; and Betty Arogon, Chair, Museo de las Tres
Colonias. Questions from the audience will be taken in written form, and English/Spanish
interpretation is provided by Irene Romsa.
( more )
Poudre River Public Library District · 201 Peterson St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 · (970) 221-6526 · www.poudrelibraries.org

PAGE 2 LIBRARY PANEL
The Library’s Immigration in Colorado event is part of Finding Home: Sharing the
Journey of our Collective Immigration, a collaborative community series running April 2 through
May 3, 2009.
Presented by Beet Street, Finding Home is a month-long community partnership that
puts immigration in the spotlight, and features more than 15 local organizations, including
Poudre River Public Library District, hosting performances, panels, lectures and exhibits
addressing the topic.
“We’re excited to hear immigration stories specific to Colorado’s past,” said Jean
Lamm, Interim Executive Director at Beet Street.
Lamm added, “It helps everyone gain a better perspective on today’s tough immigration
issues. The Library is committed to sharing both sides of the immigration debate, and we look
forward to that future community dialogue.”
For more information about the Library’s Immigration in Colorado panel discussion, visit
www.PoudreLibraries.org or call Norm Fitzpatrick at (970) 224-6122. A complete Finding Home
schedule of events is available at www.BeetStreet.org.
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Poudre River Public Library District · 201 Peterson St. Fort Collins, CO 80524 · (970) 221-6526 · www.poudrelibraries.org