Guest Blogger

Inclusive 21st Century Communities #PLA 2022

The Neuse Regional Libraries Team presented their approach to building an inclusive community centering around four key programs: STEM 4 All cultural experiences using VR technology a social work intern program a series of community discussions culminating in a Juneteenth celebration All of these programs create key community partnerships and meet unique community needs.

Guest Blogger

Uplifting the LGBTQ+ Community at #PLA2022

I combined my trip to #PLA to visit my niece-phew’s intentional queer farm community. So I was excited to attend the “Queering the Library: Strategically Creating Space for the LGBTQ+ Community” session. How did Prince George’s County Memorial Library System go from hosting a few random PRIDE month programs to becoming an actively anti-bias, queer-friendly system? During a pandemic!?

Guest Blogger

Opening Session with Luvvie Ajayi Jones #PLA2022

#PLA2022 began with over 3,000 people descending upon the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. After 2 long years, we were all together in the same room once again. And what a way to begin! Professional Troublemaker Luvvie Ajayi Jones was the Opening Speaker. Luvvie challenged us to join her in becoming a Professional Troublemaker. Luvvie contends that in every room that we are a part of, we have the opportunity to elevate the room to do better and be better. While she was speaking, I kept thinking of the musical Hamilton.