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Here are some simple things children's librarians, who work in public libraries or schools can do to support black people and be an anti-racist.
Look at your stock collections, update your stock policy. Use your stock plan & set a target which states what percentage of books by black writers you will buy. If you use supplier selection, make sure they are supplying you books by black writers, write it in your spec.
Do you have books that talk about racism? Kids are never too young for this conversation. There are books out there, make sure you have them. Secondary school librarians, you can also buy those adult books that discuss these issues.
Promote books by black writers, put them on your displays throughout the year, not just for Black History Month. Set a Black Writers Challenge encouraging kids (and colleagues) to read as many black writers as they can for a month/throughout the year.
For your author visits, don't just ask for Black History Month but throughout the year.
Look at your colleagues, are they all white? If you're in charge of recruitment think of how to get black people applying. Consider the wording of your job advertisement, think about where you are placing your job adverts. And if you're not, mention these things to those who are
Is it really necessary that they need that library degree? Yes I know, we all worked hard for those degrees, but people can be trained up and encouraged to get it later. Here's a thought, maybe your school/council can help pay for it.
Watch out for micro-aggressions, from yourselves, your colleagues, teaching staff, other students, library users. Learn what they are and challenge them when you see them.
Do you see the black kids being treated unfairly by teachers? Racism against black students is rife. Challenge it and report it. Do not let it stand. The same goes for your colleagues and other students/library users.
If you find yourself looking suspiciously at that group of black kids that have just walked into the library, but don't do the same with white kids, ask yourself why and stop doing it. It takes work to change behaviour but it can be done
Make sure you have black work experience placements, volunteers and student librarians. Talk about black librarians, let them know we exist, that librarianship is a career for them if they seem interested
Finally, educate yourself. Do not ask black people to explain their existence, do not deny their experience if they tell you something. Listen, learn and do better.
I forgot to add, read picture books by black writers and that show black kids for storytime. Choose black writers to recommend and read from for class visits. Don't just default to the same handful.
