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All of them.
Every.Single.One.
Of course, it is important to have standards in your library. Don't tolerate meanness. Don't tolerate bigotry. Don't tolerate misogyny.
It's all about love your neighbor in my library. And everyone is your neighbor.
The world can be harsh, and high school can be rough, y'all. We need to provide safe spaces for kids and adults alike to be themselves, see themselves, and to learn to appreciate one another.
We need to have courage, be kind, and choose joy.
Reading Material:
We need to have the courage to do what's right, what's equitable, what's good for kids, and what is, in fact, the job of the librarian in encouraging reading by curating a beautifully diverse collection of books and other items. We need to remember that it isn't always about what is easy. It's about doing what is right by our kids.
One of my mentors mentioned in my last post, Laurie Halse Anderson, wrote this in her memoir Shout:
Censorship is the child of fear
The father of ignorance
and the desperate weapon of fascists
everywhere.
I'm sure you've heard the phrase providing mirrors and windows. It's such a beautiful analogy, and was first introduced by Emily Style for the National SEED Project. A mirror is a story that reflects your own identity and a window helps you see into someone else's experience. Both are crucial.
Keep this in mind when you are selecting books. You are curating a collection meant to have something for everyone. We need to have the courage to develop a diverse selection that celebrates differences. We need to have books that challenge bias, books that help build empathy by providing information, books that affirm folks and books that help us learn. Be intentional in seeking out quality reading material from a variety of folks---#ownvoices, #WeNeedDiverseBooks are a couple of hashtags to follow on social media to help you in this journey. And friends, you don't have to "approve" of these differences. It's about providing windows & mirrors, not about providing judgement based on your own beliefs.
Social Media:
Be intentional. Seek to see your own bias. Seek to grow from that instead of getting defensive. We ALL have bias---the issue is not to stay there once you realize it. Use social media to follow amazing educators who provide both windows and mirrors to YOU.
And please, please be mindful of your own social media posts. Before you post anything consider asking yourself---If a child or caregiver of a child who doesn't look like me/who worships differently than me/who is LGBTQ+/or any other difference they might have--- would be hurt by this post ----then don't post it. Yes, freedom of speech is awesome, but friends, that doesn't mean you have freedom from the consequences of that speech. We are educators and are held to a higher standard. Don't hurt kids. Don't post things that would make your patrons feel like you look at them as less than, as "other", as unwelcome, as gross. Be kind in every choice.
If you are wondering whether or not to post something, don't.
Choose Joy:
We have the best gig in the universe, y'all. It isn't easy, it requires much. And I'm not saying you have to be some always-smiling-Stepford-librarian. I'm saying, whenever possible, choose joy. If your space is joyful, YOU feel better, and your patrons feel it, too. The library should be a joyful haven, a respite from the madness; a sanctuary. If you don't feel joyful in your space I urge you to take some time to just be in your space all by yourself before the school year begins. Just sit and be. Take in the space, breathe in the air. Is this kind of woo-woo? I guess, but give it a try and see what comes from it.
Does your library:
-smell pleasant?
-have comfy places to sit and read?
-have signage that is welcoming?
-have shelf appeal?
-have displays that are inclusive?
If not, what can you do to make some changes? Now, think about you and your staff and/or student assistants.
-is everyone greeted as they enter?
-are difficult situations handled with grace?
-are book choices kept confidential, with no side-eye at check out?
-are you genuinely excited to be in your space, working with your kids?
If not, what are some shifts you can make in training your staff, or in your own attitude?
For me, creating a cozy hygge filled space is a must for my joy. Touches of whimsy, hot tea available in my office, lamps for less eyeball assaulting lighting. I am also a firm believer in staying hydrated, getting rest, and hot baths with Dr. Teal's Epsom salts in the evenings. Find what fills you up and make it a priority this year. Put yourself on the list.
What if we all:
-just loved everyone as our neighbor
-had a kind word or a smile for everyone.
-were "woke" enough to celebrate differences, admit their own biases, seek to grow in those areas (this typically means to seek out BIPOC/LGBTQ+ folks doing the work WHILE learning to be quiet and listen to really HEAR them, without listening in order to center and defend yourself and your actions.)
-were kind to other educators at different points in their journey
-learned to disagree in a way that makes your point without resorting to "othering" folks
-committed to self-care practices that bring us joy, so that we, in turn, have more joy to give
I don't have all the answers. I am a most definitely a work in progress, y'all.
But I know this---if I am going to err, let it be on the side of grace and kindness.
And when I misstep in trying to do right, may those who know better show me kindness in teaching me better, so that I may in turn do better.
I hope all the folks who enter the library this year feel seen, valued, welcomed, and know they are wanted there.
All Y'all.
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