Description: Learn how libraries can develop and use collections, space, resources, and programs to expand racial literacy in their communities.
Brief description: 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.
Review Quotes:
"Please, don't turn your eyes away or walk past this book. Within these pages lies powerful, life-changing knowledge about racial literacy - knowledge that can open hearts, break down walls, and ignite a deeper understanding among us all. Libraries have become the beating heart of our multicultural communities, vibrant spaces where acceptance and hope flourish. Librarians pour their passion into truly knowing and honoring the wants and needs of their communities, transforming these spaces into sanctuaries of respect, inclusion, and unwavering support. They are champions of diversity, tirelessly working to ensure every voice is heard, every story is told, and every identity is celebrated. Let us embrace this movement, for in every word, there is the promise of a more compassionate, united world." --Joy Bridwell, Librarian; President Elect, American Indian Library Association
"Libraries are not simply places with books. They are social spaces where race is seen, felt, and learned every day. With hundreds of millions of visits by kids and adults every year, libraries profoundly shape how communities understand race, racism, and justice. Racial Literacy in Libraries arrives at a moment of great urgency. Across the country, we see powerful efforts to suppress honest, critical conversations about race, pushing institutions toward a false "neutrality" that reinforces inequity and injustice. Against this tide, the authors offer expertise, conviction, and an eminently practical set of resources - from equity audits and diverse collections to inclusive storytimes, family programs, and more. They also make clear that developing racial literacy in libraries is not only about resistance; it is core to the mission of serving the whole community and realizing the promise of multiracial democracy in the USA. If you believe that libraries can be catalysts for equity and belonging, this book is for you." --Dr. Andrew Grant-Thomas, Co-Director, EmbraceRace, USA "In the face of censorship and the vital responsibility of guiding young minds, Racial Literacy in Libraries stands as an indispensable resource. This book equips librarians with a clear framework for cultivating racial literacy, empowering the next generation to create a more equitable world. Thoroughly researched and thoughtfully sourced, it not only lays the foundation for why racial literacy is essential for all children but also provides relevant, practical activities librarians can put into practice today. Beyond the library, it serves as an inspiration for educators, caregivers, and community leaders dedicated to fostering a more conscientious and just future generation." --Joy E. Triche, Founder of Joy for Books, Inc., USA "The strengths of this deeply researched volume on racial literacy for librarians are numerous. Importantly, it makes clear how the science shows racial literacy is vital for the well-being of our communities and children. What's more, this impressive resource brings to life these compelling scientific insights by sharing an outstanding array of practical ideas to nurture racial literacy that librarians can take inspiration from and implement in their local library programming to uplift all of our children and families. Each chapter addresses head-on the challenges our communities have faced promoting racial literacy while simultaneously infusing a heartening spirit of steadfastness to this work, which requires courage, hope, humility, and wisdom." --Maryam Abdullah, PhD, Parenting Program Director, Greater Good Science Center, USA "This vital guide gives librarians not just food for thought, but clear direction on practical ways to advance equity and inclusion through diverse collections, meaningful programs, and everyday acts of care. Insightful and highly motivating." --Suji DeHart, Independent Global Education Consultant and Former School Librarian, France "Compelling and practical, this must-read title lays the groundwork for librarians to prepare and empower themselves to bring racial literacy into their practice ... [It is] essential reading for both public and school librarians, with much to offer educators and caregivers as well." --School Library Journal