Greenburgh Public Library Blog

Global Greenburgh: Meet your International Neighbors!

by Unknown User on 2018-07-04T10:00:00-04:00 | 0 Comments

Buon giorno! My name is Valerio Cervi, and I was born in Alvito, Italy, which is located within the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Lazio e Molise . I speak English, Italian, and I am studying Spanish. I became a U.S. citizen in 1975 when I had to give up my Italian citizenship, but in the 1980s when the laws changed in both countries I reacquired my Italian citizenship. Now I am a dual citizen of the U.S. and Italy.

Why did you move to the US?
As a very young child I became aware that emigration was part of our small village life, since many of my relatives and village residents had emigrated or they were waiting their turn to go to the U.S. once their application was validated and approved. When my father’s brother was able to initiate the process and guarantee on our behalf, the moment of decision arrived for my family’s departure. I was the main force for convincing my family to go on this adventure.

What do you want people here to know about your country?
Italy as a territory has a very old culture and history, but as a unified country it is only about 140 years old. As the Republic like we know it today, it is only seventy years old.

What surprised you the most about the United States?
When I arrived here in the late 1960s, I was surprised by the size of the cars! Also by the simplicity of the lifestyle in general and the way Americans lived in those years.

What do we share? What is different?
We share a sense of unity for the good of the country, respect for the individual regardless of social status, and that dreams are achievable.

What would you want others to know about you, Italians, or Latinos in the U.S.?
The word “latino” is used now to identify a specific group in our modern society, but the population and language originate in the territory where I was born, especially because that was near Rome and the heart of the Latin language. Thus I consider myself a “Latino.”

What do you think of the Greenburgh Library?
The library is an asset to our community and we all should be proud of what it offers and what it stands for as an important part of a democracy.

What is your favorite part of the library? What surprised you?
Now I attend the English-Spanish Conversation Group on Wednesdays, but I wasn’t a frequent library user at first. The group was my motivation to return each week and it exposed me to all that the library offers. Now I attend concerts and other cultural events. It surprised me how much the community uses the library and how much everyone benefits from it, no matter their economic status, where they're from, or what language they speak.

What makes the Greenburgh Library unique?
I think the staff makes the library special because they are so friendly and courteous. The location is central, and the building is very distinct!

Where do you see the library in 5-10 years?
I think technology will take over more of our life, but I hope the library stays in touch with the older generation and the ways we are familiar with….

Do you think the library will still be a part of your life in 5-10 years?
Yes, but right now I am active in sports and don’t have as much time as I’d like to spend there. As I find more time and have less physical energy as I age, I do plan to read more and participate in more library programs. I especially look forward to watching foreign films here.