We asked Oberlin College Co-Interim Director of Libraries Tracy Sutherland 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?

I feel that both are finally getting more attention and people are actively becoming more educated and aware of both. Becoming proactive rather than reactive is the key.

Have you seen libraries respond?

Over the years I have personally witnessed some libraries taking on a serious stance as far as collections go. Typically, (this involves them first) focusing on their lack of diversity but then making real efforts to create a process to purchase titles specifically by authors of color to create a more diverse collection and one that represents their communities.

Could libraries do more? If so, how?

One way would be to create real diversity fellowships that support librarians of color. Many are up to adding a diversity fellow, but I have yet to see one that creates equity, support, and mentorship for that fellow.

Any closing thoughts?

Creating educational programs, exhibits, and allowing the space within libraries for dialog that address racial inequality is paramount.

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.

We asked visual artist, designer, and social justice advocate Lisa McLymont 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?

My thoughts mainly hover around me creatively putting myself where I am both reasonably safe and where I can promote Blackness in positive ways, possibly helping to redefine what allies see and react to as they work to dismantle hate in places where Blacks can’t be heard. The fight of Black people is to protect and lift each other, while the fight of white people is to dismantle the systemic racism that plagues a majority of our world and empowers those who think less of us to oppress and terrorize us. Before I die, I’d like to see hate beat back deep into the shadows and see equality and equity prevail. We have such a long way to go and much work to do.

Have you seen libraries respond?

Yes, by providing access to materials during the pandemic and allowing families to use resources like Wi-Fi when they don’t have it at home. I believe books are mental getaways that our bodies may never be able to travel to, freedom in pockets where everyday we are reminded that some do not think we belong here. Books provide knowledge and inspiration about all the reasons why we do belong here.

The recent large book club event was a smart move by the library!* I’m sorry to have missed out on the author discussion.

Could libraries do more? If so, how?

More discussions on race and inequality, and also on how intricately tied we all are though we are white/black, male/female, queer/straight, rich/poor, abled/disabled, young/old, etc. We can use what libraries have to offer by learning to find commonality and working to erase the boundaries limiting us all.

Any closing thoughts?

None right now.

*Let’s Talk About Race: One Book – One Community. Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML) partnered with eight central Ohio library systems for a citywide reading initiative. The selected book was STAMPED: Racism, Antiracism, and You by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi, and the initiative culminated with a discussion with Jason Reynolds on January 24, 2021.

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.

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.