The Maine Library Association stands against all forms of racism and hatred. Racism has no place in libraries or society. It is unacceptable and divides our communities. Libraries are committed to creating physical and virtual spaces that are welcoming to all. We stand for diversity, equity, inclusion, and open access to information in all of our programs and services in our libraries. The events of this past weekend are the latest in our nation’s painful history and they are indicative of a much larger, systemic problem of racism and oppression that must end. We have more work to do. Libraries have a critical role to play in confronting racism and creating equity.

The Maine Library Association stands with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and the American Library Association (ALA) in their condemnation of violence and racism toward Black people and all People of Color. We must listen, amplify the voices of Black people and People of Color, and be better allies. This is what libraries do: listen, convene, and support all our community members.

Here is a compiled list of resources, books, and websites to help drive change and promote healing:

University of New England AntiRacism Reading List

Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance

Anti-Racism for Kids 101: Starting to Talk About Race

Teaching Tolerance - Free Webinars

Advancing Racial Equity in Your Library

Jennifer Alvino
Maine Library Association, President 2019-2021