When Margarita Patton arrived in Galesburg in 1997, she came with curiosity, courage, and a suitcase—like so many immigrants building a life in a new country. A native of Colombia, Margarita didn’t yet speak English, but thanks to a partnership between Carl Sandburg College and the Galesburg Public Library, she was given not only a library card but also a roadmap to community connection. It was her first introduction to the library—a place that would become central to her personal and professional journey.
Today, Margarita gives back in powerful ways. She’s a Spanish teacher at a local high school, where she works with students from freshman through senior year. And twice a week, she returns to the Galesburg Public Library as a volunteer tutor, helping adults learn Spanish—just as she once learned English.
One of her students is an engineer in his 30s who simply wants to learn a new language. Another works in behavioral health and needed to build up Spanish vocabulary to better communicate with clients. Margarita brings her lessons to life with flashcards, real-life objects (like plastic fruits for building vocabulary), and videos—taking full advantage of the library’s private study rooms and free Wi-Fi. “I use the Red Room or Green Room,” she says. “They’re perfect because we can talk freely and use all the tools the library has to offer.”
Margarita’s own ESL experience gives her deep empathy for her students. “Learning a language is not just grammar—it’s culture, transportation, asking questions, watching movies with subtitles, reading slowly, breaking down sentences,” she explains. She remembers how the library helped her navigate daily life when she first arrived—offering maps, bus schedules, and audiobooks to help her build vocabulary and confidence. “The library is like a bridge,” she says. “They show you where to go and how to get started.”
Even when she’s not tutoring or teaching, Margarita finds herself returning to the library to explore new interests. “When I’m on vacation, I come here in the afternoon,” she says with a smile. “I check out crochet books, get help from Peyton or John at the reference desk about gardening titles, and I’ve even read up on beekeeping.” Margarita once kept bees when she lived near Lake Storey and dreams of returning to it someday—“Maybe when I retire,” she says. “But I’ll need a strong partner who isn’t afraid of bees!”
Her love of learning is contagious. Whether she’s guiding high schoolers, leading a tutoring session, or diving into a new hobby, Margarita embodies what the library stands for: discovery, access, and community.
Though the tools have changed—there are now 3D printers, digital scanners, and extensive online learning platforms—Margarita believes the heart of the library remains the same. “It’s still the place that helps you figure things out,” she says. “And it always will be.”
