The Spanish Resource Centers are part of a network of resource centers located in different universities and educational institutions across the United States and Canada that are sponsored by the Ministry of Education through the Education Office of the Embassy of Spain. They offer their communities a specialized library and loan service, as well as being a hands-on cultural focal point where professional development workshops and seminars, conversation groups, Spanish film festivals and other educational and cultural events are offered. These centers also provide various services to educators and students of Spanish. All these outreach activities are aimed at the advancement of the Spanish language and culture in the United States and Canada and to encourage areas of collaboration among American, Canadian and Spanish organizations.