Libraries Rise: Desiree Thomas

We asked Worthington Libraries Youth Services Librarian and Book Sommelier Desiree Thomas four important questions about racial injustice and inequity as well as how libraries have responded and could address.

What are your thoughts on racial inequality and injustice today?

This year has really illuminated for me how deep the infection of racism runs in our nation. The murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Casey Goodson, Andre Hill, Covid-19, the different responses to black lives matters protest, and the insurgency on the capitol all illustrate the fact that there are two separate Americas. In the previous president’s America, law and order are tools to manage and press black and brown bodies into servitude. In this America, black and brown people are still not completely human and can be killed with impunity. There was a time when I felt generally okay with existing in largely white spaces. My love of nature is now tempered with the idea that a lot of Ohio’s Metro parks exist in places where the previous president’s ideology of bigotry and hatred is proudly displayed and celebrated. There is an overall feeling that law and order only serves the white community and there isn’t anywhere that black and brown people can exist and not be affected by this malaise. This wound needs to be cauterized and the infected tissue removed to heal our nation.

Have you seen libraries respond?

Some libraries have come out with antiracist statements. Other libraries have started implementing diversity and inclusion webinars in their trainings. Black Lives Matter book lists and own voices displays are now prominent in a lot of libraries. However, our profession is still 86 % white and black and brown people still don’t hold positions of power. I think true diversity comes when your organization starts to resemble our actual population.

Could libraries do more? If so, how?

They could hire more black and brown people and make it a welcoming environment for us. Put aside your own fears of saying the wrong thing and get to know the brown and black people in your workforce and your community. Every change starts with a conversation and building relationship. How can things get better if you don’t try to get to know me.

Any closing thoughts?

Libraries are one of the only places that everyone has access to. The way you treat your co-workers and patrons who are different from you matters. We are all made better when we recognize the humanity within each other. It’s going to messy, but life is messy.

Libraries Rise: Black Perspective on Libraries

Cbus Libraries asked six leaders inside and out of libraries their thoughts on racial injustice and inequality. All responses are the leaders’ personal reflections and not necessarily representative of the organizations they are part of. The six-part feature will be serialized over the months of February and March, 2021. Check back weekly on Mondays for the latest feature and follow our tag, #LibrariesRise.

About Cbus Libraries

Cbus Libraries’ mission is to champion Central Ohio libraries, library enthusiasts and the love of reading. Co-founded by two librarians, Andrea Dixon and Bryan Loar, Cbus Libraries reaches more than 9,000 online followers worldwide, features Central Ohio libraries, has raised more than $1,100 in scholarship funds for librarians of color and has gifted over 5,000 books to the community. Cbus Libraries is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.