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In this episode, we hear a recording of a virtual panel on Race and Representation in JMRL’s Collection. We also talk about what we’re reading.
- Katie read The Revisioners by Margaret Wilkerson Sexton (and mentioned her earlier title, A Kind of Freedom)
- Abby read Pandemic by A.G. Riddle (The first of two in an ongoing series)
Next we hear a recording of a virtual panel on Race and Representation in JMRL’s Collection, which took place in early August. This panel included:
- Moderator Siri Russell: Albemarle County Director of the Office of Equity and Inclusion
- David Plunkett: JMRL Library Director
- Angela Critics: Children’s Services Manager
- Hayley Tompkins: Crozet Branch Manager
- Meredith Dickens: Collection Manager
This virtual discussion explored current trends in collection development and materials selection; how JMRL endeavors to break with the traditional white perspective/narrative and broaden its collection to ensure an inclusive body of “own-voices” materials that fairly reflect the opinions and stories of marginalized communities. The discussion also examined how literature and media can perpetuate racial stereotypes and the challenges Libraries face in establishing a fluid and evolving collection of materials that meet the needs of ever-diverse communities seeking to speak on their own behalf.
Panelists mentioned the following resources and materials throughout the event:
- ALA Statement on past racism within the organization
- Groundwater Training from the Racial Equity Institute
- So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
- Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors by Rudine Sims Bishop
- Local Voices Collection
- Suggest materials for JMRL to purchase
- Created Equal grant funded film discussion series, with film titles
- Free programs for all ages
- Program Partnership Request Form for groups and individuals interested in working with JMRL to offer free programs
- Booklists/Suggested Reading: The African-American Experience
- What Do I Read Next? Personalized book recommendations
- A Good Kind of Trouble by Lisa Moore Ramée
JMRL’s Youtube Account
Video of this panel
Follow JMRL’s progress through the tiers of the JMRL COVID-19 Response Plan.
For branch details:
COVID-19 Response and Available Online Resources
If you have books you’d like to recommend we read and discuss please email us at podcast@jmrl.org.
This podcast is made possible through generous support from the Friends of the Library. If you’d like to learn more or join the friends please head to their website.