WCLS staff have developed several booklists focused on racism and the experiences and voices of our BIPOC (Black, Indigeneous and People of Color) communities. We hope to spark conversation and promote understanding with these reading recommendations.
As our community gathers for peaceful protests to mark the tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, and so many black people before them, we affirm Whatcom County Library System’s commitment to reflecting and respecting the dignity and humanity of every member of our community. We stand with all who are calling for collective action to end systemic racism.
Our staff identified two immediate actions we could take as a library system. We recognize there is more to do. First, we purchased “always available” titles about racism and how to be an antiracist. These are licenses for unlimited copies you can check out for free with a library card – with no wait lists or holds – through the month of June. We’ve also created these reading lists about understanding structural racism, suggested reading for children and teens, literature by black authors, and movies you can stream at home about social and systemic injustice.
We know our work as an organization – and as individuals – doesn’t end there. We believe the library is the heart of our community, providing physical and emotional space for conversation, growth, and intercultural understanding. We are working to become better stewards of this community space and to serve every resident of Whatcom County with care and respect. We believe we are stronger together.
Movies about Social and Systemic Injustice (via Kanopy)
