Synopsis
Learn how libraries can develop and use collections, space, resources, and programs to expand racial literacy in their communities. Libraries are no longer simply providers of basic literacy – they’re evolving to meet community needs for an expanding list of literacies: digital, health, information, financial. Racial Literacy in Libraries argues persuasively that libraries need to add racial literacy to that list. Its authors and contributors teach you how to understand and communicate about race and racism. Since readers are likely to begin with different backgrounds on race, Part One offers a primer written by experts on the science and history of skin color, the invention of race and racism in the United States, and the development of racial identity. Part Two helps librarians bridge the gap between theory and practice. Chapters discuss the important concepts of representation, equity, and access and offer practical examples of how to apply them in libraries, including through collection development. Part Three offers real-life examples of libraries across the country who are bringing racial literacy to their communities through collections, curated resources, and programs. A companion website offers tools you can use right away, whenever you’re ready to put your racial literacy learning into practice. All librarians who want to bring a more bias-free worldview to library work will benefit from this guide to racial literacy.
About the Authors
Sally Battle is the Youth Programming Librarian at Mount Prospect Public Library, Illinois, USA. She draws on her background in science and education, her experiences with children for over 20 years, and her deep respect for each child to create playful, joyful, and memory-making youth and family programs. In her free time, she reviews books and manages the Racial Learning + Literacy Hub at racial-literacy.info.
Betsy Bird is the Collection Development Manager of Evanston Public Library, Illinois, USA, and the former Youth Materials Specialist of New York Public Library. She has served on her library's EDI committee for four years. She co-presents on The Whole Book Approach, a holistic consideration of collections beyond equity assessments, at the LJ/SLJ workshop “How To Build and Defend Inclusive Collections.” She is the author of Children's Literature Gems: Choosing and Using Them in Your Library Career.
Nicole A. Cooke, PhD, MEd, MLS, is the Augusta Baker Endowed Chair and an Associate Professor at the School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina, USA.
Kennedy Joseph is the Teen Engagement Coordinator at the Evanston Public Library, Illinois, USA. Kennedy creates engaging opportunities that foster leadership and creativity among young people. With a commitment to creating a supportive and fun environment, Kennedy is dedicated to helping young people discover their potential and become lifelong library enthusiasts.
Jessica Iverson Wu is a Children's and STEM Focus Library Assistant at Evanston Public Library, Illinois, USA. She has created and co-led DEI-informed programs for toddlers through adults, but in her current role primarily focuses on grades 3–5. She served on EPL's DEI committee for four years and received facilitator training through Dr. Logan Consulting to support co-leading staff DEI discussions. She writes from the perspective of a white, cis, bi woman with ADHD.
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