There’s a lot I could post right now and I’ll be honest, I’m struggling.

Yesterday, one thing that bothered me most was select people from my profession. As a librarian, I am against censorship. Libraries are very much part of social advocacy (see the film the public). Yet yesterday a person in my field posted the following:

I’m learning that there are library administrators who are not allowing their staff to post readings lists, recommend books, etc. about race, racism, or even Black family life.

If this is you, take a long look in the mirror. This is shameful, cowardly, and racist.

And, don’t @ me with neutrality. There is nothing neutral about this choice. @lisalibrarian

As awful as this is, am I surprised? No. I am fortunate to work in an inclusive environment but we are nowhere near perfect. Far from it. And we have our work cut out for us. But, at least we have regular ally training, have readings set out to us, and group discussions this week via zoom.

But, this isn’t what this post is for. As a librarian, I’m sharing reading lists. None of these are my creation. This is not my area of research (I am a medical librarian) and while I could create my own lists, I’d rather share lists created by others.

• Teen Librarian Toolbox /School Libary Journal – Resources for Young Readers
• Skokie Public Library – List for Children and Families
• MIT Libraries #BLM Book List
• Memorial Hall Library – Racial Justice Reading List
• Evanston Public Library Antiracist resources and reading lists
• (New) From L. Williams So You Want To Be An Ally….

I’d also like to share some resources circulating in my institution:

• How to be an effective ally
• George Floyd’s death demonstrates the policy violence that devalues Black lives
• What’s needed for police accountability after the killing of George Floyd
• Being Antiracist
• Talking About Race
• Commitment To Combat Racism – Jane Elliott

And finally, I just want to share the Colored Conventions Project. Many of my colleagues have worked tirelessly with the project while it was housed at our institution (it’s moving to Penn State). Part of being able to fight for change in the future includes understanding how we got where we are today.

None of us are perfect and most of us (I’d venture to say all of us) can afford to make some changes. But we have to start somewhere. Recognition of shortcomings (intentional or not) and privilege is a start. Listening is another. And learning is another place. I hope that we can all take a step, even if they are small at first. If there are resources you would like me to include, let me know and I’m happy to add them.