The Children Of Fear Are Not Alone Last year’s summer reading theme was Build a Better World. Its message must not be lost. I have been actively involved in Central Florida public libraries since 1993, and it had to have been one of the most rewarding themes – ever. Recent events are showing us that children are growing up in an increasingly frightening world. And they must not bear this alone. Last summer, my co-workers and I took our show on the road with a message of hope, and I’d like to share how you can couple Libraries Rock with real social impact. Before that, though, let’s review a couple of things. Power and Truth In 1927, Max Ehrmann wrote the poem Desiderata in which he wrote: “Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.” And, yet…
Tag: tolerance
Build a Better World through Inclusion and Diversity
Why inclusion? We can do better in terms of inclusion. We must do better. As youth services librarians we do not simply purchase and organize books. Nor do we mindlessly offer programming. We think about what we are doing. We fill needs in our community, the people we represent and the people who rely on us. Inclusion will fill this need and much more. The struggle with diversity: As of February 2015, we are still behind in diverse children’s literature: Isn’t quality children’s literature enough? Quality children’s literature builds strength in readers. Getting children to pick up a book and read it speaks to how well the book reflects their lives. Creating a collection and designing programming that are diverse welcomes patrons from a range of cultural backgrounds. Above all, our efforts will encourage empathy by helping kids better understand their similarities and differences. The world we live in is only increasing…
Tolerance Is Not Enough: Inclusion for Librarians
Tolerance: noun a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ from one’s own. the act or capacity of enduring; endurance: My tolerance of noise is limited.