Social Justice and Public Libraries: Equity Starts with Us

A regional symposium on equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice for public libraries

October 28–29, 2019 at Chicago Public Library, Chicago, IL

Libraries across the country are making stronger commitments to equitable library services for all. Librarians, library administrators, library staff, and other stakeholders are encouraged to join us to grow the collective capacity and connections we will need to do this work.

​During this one-and-a-half day symposium we will explore how power and privilege operate interpersonally and institutionally; identify how oppression shows up in our communities and libraries; and learn about historical and contemporary social justice movements. Participants will hear from libraries putting equity into practice, develop regional connections, and create local action plans to advance equity and social justice in our organizations and communities.

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Day one will focus on building shared language, self-awareness and historical understanding. Day two will give us the chance to learn about successful racial equity initiatives and develop action plans to catalyze or strengthen equity work in our organizations and communities. At the end of this event, participants will:

1. Build shared understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion, and social justice (EDISJ) concepts, including identity and privilege, institutionalized racism and oppression, solidarity, and liberation;
2. Increase self-awareness, identify systems of oppression, develop strategies to address biases, and learn how to share this knowledge within your organization and your community;
3. Develop regional connections that can help you create and sustain transformative work in your library and community; and
4. Utilize case studies and equity tools to create an action plan for strengthening EDISJ in your organization and community.

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