Cafecito Chats: How Book Harvest Builds a Bilingual Community

One thing I appreciate about Book Harvest is how it goes above and beyond to foster a bilingual, inclusive community. After nine years of studying Spanish (and counting!), I still hesitate to call myself fluent–not for lack of effort or interest, but because authentic opportunities to practice outside the classroom can be hard to come by.

On my first day, I mentioned to my team that I study Spanish at UNC, and that’s when I learned about Cafecito Chats. Held on the first Friday of each month, these informal gatherings include Spanish speakers and learners on the Book Harvest staff. They come together over coffee for an hour of relaxed, encouraging conversation in Spanish. While I was a little nervous walking into my first Cafecito, the warm and welcoming atmosphere immediately put me at ease.

July Cafecito selfie!

The experience was the perfect blend of lighthearted games, meaningful conversations, and authentic connection. Until that moment, I hadn’t realized just how many of my coworkers–representing a wide range of backgrounds and cultures–were fluent or near-fluent in Spanish. Some had grown up speaking it at home, some had learned it in school, and others had taught themselves. It was a powerful reminder that fluency is a journey, not a destination–and that it’s more attainable than it sometimes feels.

As we laughed over icebreakers, debated the merits of audiobooks, and dove into real-world issues, I not only improved my Spanish–I also got to know my coworkers on a deeper level. Cafecito Chats are a space where language learning meets community, where effort is celebrated, and where every voice, no matter the skill level, is valued.

Beyond the personal growth these chats offer, they also serve a greater purpose in supporting Book Harvest’s mission. Spanish is an everyday part of life here. It flows through our hallways, our programming, and our relationships with the children and families we serve. Being able to communicate in Spanish empowers us to host bilingual storytimes, build trust with the Hispanic families we partner with, and demonstrate our commitment to being a truly inclusive organization. In that sense, Cafecito Chats are not just an hour of conversation–they’re a reflection of our values and a vital investment in the community we’re here to serve.