Addison Public Library is First Library in Illinois to Receive BIA Accreditation

ADDISON, Ill. – On Monday, March 20, 2017, Addison Public Library became the first library in Illinois to be recognized and accredited by the Department of Justice Board of Immigrations Appeals (BIA). Addison Public Library is one of three BIA-recognized libraries in the nation.

There are currently three accredited representatives at Addison Public Library, Isabel Huerta, Yesenia Nuñez, and Kelly Von Zee, who have each completed over 60 hours of training. The BIA recognition gives the accredited representatives permission to assist its users with legal immigration forms. This does not include complicated situations, such as criminal history, which would be referred to another BIA-recognized organization that offers more comprehensive services.

DePaul Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic has partnered with Addison Public Library to provide technical support. These services will be offered at no charge and priority will be given to Addison residents.

“Public libraries continue to be an essential informational resource in the community,” says Kelly Von Zee, Head of Community Engagement and accredited representative. “Many of the information requests we receive involve immigration, and in order to be able to answer those questions we needed to become more educated on the topic and go through the recognition and accreditation process offered by the Department of Justice. I’m thrilled that we are now ready and able to assist community members in a way that better meets their information needs.”

Addison Public Library works to stay up-to-date with the materials and services provided to its users. Recently, the library completed a renovation and purchased a 3D Printer to remain innovative in the community. The BIA Accreditation is an added service to meet community needs.

For more information on the Board of Immigration Appeals accreditation, please call 630-458-3334 or visit www.justice.gov.