The BCCLS Executive Board Statement on Racial Justice
The members of the BCCLS Executive Board denounce racism. We were horrified as we witnessed the lives of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor taken because of the color of their skin, as too many others have been killed before due to prejudice and racism. It is abhorrent, inhuman, and unacceptable. Those who are susceptible to acts of prejudice, threats of violence, and even death based on their race or ethnicity deserve better from our society. Black Lives Matter.
Racism is deeply woven throughout our institutions and systems. We have seen atrocities and injustices wreak havoc on neighborhoods and communities of color because of fundamental inequity in our society. Undoing racist systems is complex work, yet the request is so simple, so fundamental to human decency: treat others as you wish to be treated.
We encourage and support our member libraries as they use their platforms to elevate the voices of the marginalized, review policies, and strive to eradicate barriers and systems of oppression wherever they may find them. We acknowledge the need to consistently work toward recognizing our own biases and welcome change. We can, and must, do more. As part of our ongoing organizational evaluation, we commit to evaluating all the ways in which we can change policies and practices to fight against racism in its many forms and affect positive change.
Adopted by the BCCLS Executive Board on June 11, 2020
Resources from BCCLS Member Libraries
Demarest
The Demarest Public Library would like to draw your attention to The Dig Checklist for Inclusive, High-quality Children's Media
The DIG Checklist was designed to help you identify and recognize high-quality, inclusive children's digital media. Reviewers, researchers, parents, librarians, educators teachers: Use the checklist as a rubric for evaluating or rating children's media. Producers and creators: Use the checklist as a guide to help you produce high-quality children's media that is inclusive, equitable, and accessible.
Dumont
Dumont has forwarded the Kanopy compilation of relevant titles to their Constant Contact distribution list. They are also using the Hoopla distributions to promote Pride materials.
Englewood
Check out the Englewood Library Facebook page, which includes diverse and Juneteenth reading lists. You can also see their statement on systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter movement from the Library Director and Board of Trustees on their website.
Livingston
Livingston Public Library has created these blog posts to aid in the discussion of racism in America:
Lodi
Please see the Lodi Library Facebook page for book lists, displays and programs.
Maplewood
Maplewood Memorial Library Statement
These stories by Black writers speak to the variety of lived experiences of Black people. They capture not only the struggles of Black individuals in the U.S. but also explore the transcendent realities of Black joy and imagination. We encourage you to use these selected lists as a jumping off point to seek out other works by these authors and others.
Please note: if a title you are interested in has a wait list, please don’t hesitate to place a hold on it; holds lists are reviewed to ensure that items will most likely be available to borrow sooner than the wait time estimate given.
New Milford
The New Milford Public Library has created a living page/document and content is being added each day. They will also be creating Facebook posts with these resources.
Paramus
Please see the Paramus Library Facebook page for book lists, displays and programs.
River Vale
Please see the River Vale Library Facebook page and Instagram account for reading lists and suggestions. You can also check out the African American Fiction reading list on the River Vale website.
Wyckoff
At this time the Wyckoff Public Library has focused on sharing reading lists and watch lists with our community to broaden their understanding of Black Lives Matter and allow them the opportunity to educate themselves and their families.
Shared Lists
Additional Resources
Featured Movie
