Library Branches Are Leading Dialogue About Diversity

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A library has more to offer than just books — and we’re not talking about the movie selection. The Anne Arundel County Public Library system branches offer a range of programs to community members.

“I think that one of the strengths of the library is it’s one of the safe spaces in our communities to really foster some of these conversations,” said Rebecca Hass, the programming and outreach manager for the AACPL systems. “We work really hard to provide access, not just to physical materials but also to intellectual freedom.”

Recently, the Mountain Road and Riviera Beach branches have held programs focused on racism, diversity and equality.

“We’ve been well aware of the importance of diversity in this county and have made every effort to make that part of our mission,” said Jennifer Adams, the Mountain Road branch manager.

At the Mountain Road location, Anne Arundel United held Coffee with an Ambassador on April 12. This initiative, led by County Executive Steve Schuh, aims to “unite the community against hatred and build greater understanding.”

Derek Matthews, the director of community and minority outreach at the office of County Executive Steve Schuh, moderated a panel consisting of the Rev. Jay Offer of Harvest Crusades Ministry; Dr. Maisha Gillins, executive director of equity and accelerated student achievement at Anne Arundel County Public Schools; Steve Gorski, principal of Chesapeake High School; and Corporal Fred Titus, the school resource officer at Chesapeake High School.

The event was not a direct response to recent incidents at Chesapeake High School, but since it was the first public address Gorski gave, many attendees used the platform to voice their concerns.

LIVE VIDEO: Anne Arundel United Hosts Coffee with an Ambassador at Mountain Road Library

Before the Anne Arundel United meeting, Mountain Road hosted a six-week long video series. Every Tuesday morning at 10:00am, the library showed a different film that centered on showcasing diversity. Some of the films included “I Am Not Your Negro,” “Born In Syria: Child Refugees of Syria’s Civil War” and “Growing Up Trans.”

There was overall positive feedback from the film series, though attendance varied drastically from week to week. One week, there would be 17 people watching a movie, and then no one would show up the following week, Adams said.

“Considering the climate we’re in currently, I think now is probably more important than ever to get those lines of communication open among everyone and really talk about tolerance and understanding among everyone we live with in our communities,” Adams said.

At the Riviera Beach branch, programs including bilingual story time and sensory story time are offered to reach a wider audience.

“It shows that we’re trying to reach everyone in the community and that we’re conscious of everyone’s needs,” branch manager Dan Ramirez said.

To demonstrate inclusiveness, AACPL is also increasing the number of languages offered in its World Collection. The library systems now offer books in 10 different languages, working with the public school system to highlight the in-demand languages.

“It’s been a really lovely partnership, and I love that the library is recognizing that need and meeting that need,” Hass said.

The library’s mission is to “educate, enrich, inspire,” Hass said.

“The only way we’re going to be able to do that is to meet our community where it is,” Haas said, “and that’s going to look different for each of our branches and each of our communities.”

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