#NYLA2018: Libraries are for Everyone

Andrea Snyder from Pioneer Library System (OWWL) gave this presentation.

Snyder referenced:

• Images from Hafuboti.com
• Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.  The quote she used was, “I’m a traveler, not a map maker.”

According to Snyder, OWWL covers four counties, approximately 300,000 people.  Demographically the area is 90% white, 95% born in US, 12% identify as having a disability.

Is the "library for everyone" a token phrase? What does it really mean?  OWWL fully acknowledges the changes that are needed and sees this as an aspiration.  They support and push their libraries (friends groups,etc.) to learn change policies, and create inclusive environments.  It is hard and messy.

What did they do?

• They did a branding campaign - lawn signs (English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic). Mugs,  Buttons, T-shirts and Lanyards
• Professional development opportunities. If libraries are all about education, library staff need to doing professional development, too.  Topics included:
  • Implicit bias
  • Cultural humility - through conversations and constant learning, I can get to to know you as a person.  This is built upon work by Julianne Moseley, who came out of the healthcare field.
  • Safe zone training - creating a safe space for LGBTQ
  • Sessions on substance abuse and what library staff can do
  • Digital inclusion 
  • Supporting job seekers
  • Collection development
• Collection development
• More audio books 
• Concept of windows (into a life that is not like me) and mirrors (reflecting what you are like)
• Book bundles
• Poverty simulation
• Palmyra Community Library and Family Promise(R)
• For homeless families
• Case management 
• Volunteers at the library and night to stay with families living in the library at night
• Palmyra is chartered as a Public Special  Library District
• Kids Reads Free Pilot Program

Other ideas:

• Get comfortable being uncomfortable 
• Purchase books that refl3ct the greater world.

What Andrea Snyder presented was impressive. Clearly PLS is a taking an aggressive pace on all of this and is a system worthy of being watched.

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Updated: Nov. 16, 2018