Libraries Respond: Black Lives Matter
We support the American Library Association (ALA) and Colorado Assiciation of Libraries (CAL) in unequivocally condemning racism and endorsing recent statements by the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association, the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), and REFORMA. We further support statements made by the ALA and BCALA in condemning violence and racism towards Black people and all People of Color. Most importantly we support our community and all visitors who patronize our library. We are here for you and we are here to do our part by providing free resources to help educate, understand, and inspire change within ourselves and the greater community. For any help in locating sources of information do not hesitate to call us at 970-429-1900.
For statements made by the ALA and more information about Libraries Respond: Black Lives Matter click here! For more resources and information on how libraries are responding to current events and social justice issues click here!
Books (Kids and Juveniles)
Non-Fiction books are here to introduce ideas of race, privilage, and activism and to recognize the contributions of Black people and people of color to the United States and the world. Our fiction books feature Black children and children of color and help introduce diversity and acceptance by allowing all kids to see characters playing, struggling, and growing just like or similar to them. Place a hold on any item or call us for help. Some of these books are also available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. For information and help with Hoopla click here. For information and help with OverDrive/Libby click here.
Kids Non-Fiction
Kids Fiction
Juveniles Non-Fiction
Juveniles Fiction
Books (Young Adults)
Young adult novels are not just for teens! These non-fiction books are great at breaking down complicated concepts and issues. Young Adult fiction stories feature Black people and their experiences in today's society. The stories are based on real experiences many of the authors and Black people have had. We find it is also important to read books that offer hope and that celebrate all facets of Black lives and authorship. Place a hold on any item or call us for help. Some of these books are also available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. For information and help with Hoopla click here. For information and help with OverDrive/Libby click here.
Young Adult Non-Fiction
Young Adult Fiction
Books (Adult)
Look here for non-fiction books to educate yourself about issues that affect us currently. For books celebrating all facets of Black lives and authorship look at our fiction collection. Works of fiction can be a great education tool for those who prefer to learn through storytelling. Place a hold on any item or call us for help. Some of these books are also available on Hoopla and Overdrive/Libby. For information and help with Hoopla click here. For information and help with OverDrive/Libby click here.
Adult Non-Fiction
Adult Fiction
Online Resources
We have provided a list of online education resources for kids, teens, and adults. Find links to information on how to talk about race, how to be anti-racist, and how to educate your kids and others about race and racism. There are also links to diverse book lists.
Denver Public Library Anti-Racism Resources for Kids & Families
These anti-racism resources developed by Denver Public Library's Read. Awareness. Dialogue. Action. (R.A.D.A.) book discussion group are here to support conversations about racial justice with children, as well to learn and reflect on your own. R.A.D.A. book discussion group also included downloadable pdfs with book lists, tips for talking to kids about race, and more! To access anti-racism resources for kids & families click here!
Rocky Mountain PBS Learning Media
The Rocky Mountain PBS Learning Media site has a large section of videos on 'Confronting Anti-Black Racism'. You can use these materials with middle and high school students to help them understand the long history of anti-Black racism in the United States, and think about ways to address it in their own families and communities (Confronting Anti-Black Racism Page). Browse the videos on the opening page, or narrow the search to grade level. There are some really well done videos here.
National Musuem of African American History & Culture
The National Musuem of Aftrican American History & Culture created a webportal for educators, parents, caregivers, and anyone commited to equality with information on how to talk about race. To access click here!
Black Caucus American Library Association
The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) advocates for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services and resources to the nation’s African American community (BCALA Infomation Page). Find booklist, resources, events, and more here!
Pew Research Center
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. They conduct public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research. They do not take policy positions (Pew Research Center About Page). For fans of statistics and facts on topics of privilage, inequality, race, and many others access the Pew Research Center here! For a great article on privilage and inequality click here!
The Brown Bookshelf: United in Story (Kids and Young Adults)
The Brown Bookshelf has book reviews for younger kids and young adults, and links to the KidLit Rally 4 Black Lives materials. There are also links to organizations, educational materials, podcasts, museums and more. The goal of The Brown Bookshelf is to push awareness of the myriad Black voices writing for young readers and young adults. You can access the anti-racist resources for children, families, and educators here.
Diverse BookFinder
"We aspire to be a go-to resource for librarians, educators, parents, book creators, and publishers who seek to create collections in which all children can see themselves -- and each other -- reflected in the picture books they read." -Diverse BookFinder Vision Statement. Diverse BookFinder is great resource for kids and parents or anyone who enjoys picture books. To access click here!
Movies (Kanopy)
Kanopy provides over 30000 Documentaries, Classic and Indie Films. Watch up to ten movies a month free with your library card. In support of Black Lives Matter, this streaming service has provided a great list of movies about Social and Systemic Injustice and our Children's Librarian, Allison provided a list of movies and live action books for kids. We also wanted to highlight movies celebrating all facets of Black lives and Black actors. Access Kanopy here! For help with Kanopy click here!
Adult
Kids
Music (Hoopla and Spotify)
We have a new resource! Check out Pitkin County Library's Spotify here. Sign up and listen for free. Instantly listen to past and current artists on Hoopla. For more information and help with Hoopla click here. Our Music Librarian curated a great playlist on our Pitkin County Library Spotify. This playlist consists of songs inspired by the 1960's Civil Rights Movement and the current Black Lives Matter movement. Be enraged with these artists, uplifted by these artists, and inspired by these amazing artists. We have featured some albums by artists on this playlist available for check out from our music collection or Hoopla.
Black Lives Matter Playlist
Featured Artists
