THE LIBRARY IS NOT JUST A RESOURCE. IT'S A COMMUNITY.
Libraries provide a safe place for individuals of all ages and backgrounds and for difficult discussions on social issues. Our nation’s libraries serve all community members, including people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, and the most vulnerable in our communities, offering services and educational resources that transform communities, open minds and promote inclusion and diversity.
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Join the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the American Library Association on January 18, 2022 for the fourth annual National Day of Racial Healing.
The National Day of Racial Healing is a time to:
- Reinforce and honor our common humanity while celebrating the district differences that make our communities vibrant
- Acknowledge the deep racial divisions that exist in America and must be overcome and healed
- Commit to engaging people from all racial and ethnic groups in genuine efforts to increase understanding, communication, caring and respect for one another.
Learn more about how libraries are responding and follow the conversation on social media: National Day of Healing on Facebook and Twitter, American Library Association on Twitter, and hashtags: #LibrariesRespond, #HowWeHeal.
Stories can be a powerful tool for talking about complex subjects such as race and social inequity. Here's a recommended reading list to help you get started.
- Association for Library Service to Children's Unity. Kindness. Peace. Booklist (PDF)
- Association for Library Service to Children's Working Together for Justice Booklist (PDF)
- Friends of Roslindale Branch Library's Race and Inclusion Book List
- Hennepin County Library’s #BlackLivesMatter: Tools to talk about race for teens
- King County Library System's Books on Social Justice for Kids
- Oakland Public Library’s Talking to Kids About Racism and Justice: A list parents, caregivers & educators
- SocialJusticeBooks.org, a project of Teaching for Change, Booklists
- Young Adult Library Services Association's 20 Books to Inspire Social Change
- Young Adult Library Services Association's Activism Starts with You: 20 Books to Inspire and Instruct
- Young Adult Library Services Association's Narrative Nonfiction with Social Justice Themes
- Young Adult Library Services Association's Narrative Nonfiction with Social Justice Themes, Part II
- Young Adult Library Services Association's Racial and Social Justice Podcasts for Teens
Have a resource to add to the list? Email diversity@ala.org.
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