"Our growing population of English Learners is so truly touched when we offer things in their native language. It helps to deepen our connections with these students."
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-Phalen Academy Teachers' Treasures Shopper

Since September 2022, we've distributed over 6,000 books in a variety of international languages

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The Global Language Library officially opened on International Literacy Day, September 8th 2022.

Since then, over 40% of all of our shopping carts contain books in non-English languages.

​These books not only contain other languages, but also reflect the diverse culture of our Indianapolis students!

Spanish, French, Hatian-Creole, Hmong, and Swahili amongst the most asked for languages.

We couldn't have created this vital section of our store without partners like Hoosier Masonry Solutions, PNC Bank, Indianapolis Indians' Charities, Frost Brown Todd, and individual donors. 

Learn more about Hoosier Masonry Solutions here.

​We need your help more than ever! Help us celebrate Back-to-School 2023 by sending us your favorite books in a variety of languages!   
Not an Amazon shopper? You can also support us through Bookshop.org at the link below. 

The Mission

Teachers' Treasures' Global Language Library obtains and distributes books representing a global assortment of languages, reading levels, and cultures to teachers to provide for students throughout Marion County.

The Vision

Students and teachers from all background will have access to books that reflect the languages and cultures that they represent.

The Need

As the educational community in Marion County continues to grow and change, Teachers’ Treasures strives to be responsive to the needs of our teachers and staff who are directly serving the needs of a culturally diverse student population. Through surveys, direct conversations with constituents, and observing our inventory, we have identified that a great need within our classrooms are books that reflect the languages and backgrounds of our students. 

​By providing a source for a broad selection of books in these languages, Teachers’ Treasures will be serving specific curriculum needs, and also providing tools that promote emotional wellness, inclusion, and growth.
Numerous teachers create cultivated libraries within their classrooms, while many send materials home to be used by students and their families. During the 2021-2022 school year, 99% of teachers who shopped regularly were sending materials home regularly, including books. Many of these teachers were coming from schools noted for high percentage of English Learners, including Ben Davis High School which has 14% of its population noted as English learners according to the Indiana Department of Education.
“I teach language arts in 3 languages, French, Spanish, and English. These books would mean the world to my students.” 
- Arsenal Tech Teacher
By providing a diverse library of languages, we are providing our educational community with the opportunity to see themselves a little bit better, while growing as students and individuals. 

See the opening day News Coverage and Photos Here:
Additional Stories:

More to the story

  • As of December 2021, Indianapolis is home to over 26,000 immigrants with limited English proficiency
  • According to the Indiana Department of Education, during the 2020-2021 school year, roughly 66,757 students throughout the state are considered English Learners.
    • Indianapolis Public Schools consist of close to 5,000 students during the 2020-2021 school year (or 21.7% of their entire district).
  • Refugees from Burma and the Democratic Republic of the Congo are the two largest groups now resettling in Indiana according to Exodus Refugee Center
Check out the students from Decatur Township below!  

THANK YOU TO Our founding Sponsors:

Teachers, how has the global language library impacted your classroom?
​Share your feedback!