To help individuals learn more about the complex topic of race and racial equity, The Indianapolis Public Library is making available a variety of e-books, audiobooks and streaming videos that can be easily accessed from the Library’s catalog at indypl.org.
While popular titles often have waitlists for paper or e-book versions, a number of publishers and content providers are offering libraries this high-demand digital content through July with no waitlists due to the importance of the topic.
No-wait titles include Me and White Supremacy: Combat Racism, Change the World and Become a Good Ancestor by Layla F. Saad (e-book, expires July 12); The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander (audiobook, expires July 15); The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas (e-book and audiobook, expire July 19); and So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo (audiobook, expires July 26).
Streaming documentaries and videos that focus on social and systemic injustice and racism in America include I Am Not Your Negro; P.S. I Can’t Breathe; White Like Me – Race, Racism, and White Privilege in America; and Race: The Power of an Illusion. Streaming movies include Maya Angelou and Still I Rise and Just Mercy.
“Conversations around the country that center on racial equity and elevate the voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) are critical right now and is one that we are engaging in as an organization,” said Jessica Moore, IndyPL’s diversity, equity and inclusion officer. “As we embark on journeys of personal growth and understanding, we hope these resources will inspire continued dialogue and critical conversations.”
All titles are available for free with the use of a Library card.
In addition to the Library’s digital and physical materials, those of all ages are invited to visit the Center for Black Literature & Culture at Central Library (CBLC) to celebrate the vibrant and resilient heritage and triumphs of those born of African roots. The CBLC is open during regular Library hours.
To discover more booklists, reading recommendations and other resources that address issues of race and racial equity, Visit the Library’s blog at indypl.org.
Input sought on comprehensive plan
An important step in developing plans for Library service during the next three years continues through July as The Indianapolis Public Library encourages residents ages 13 and older to provide feedback through online and printable surveys.
The strategic planning process involving citizen participation and self-assessment will generate a blueprint for how IndyPL can better serve diverse populations and continue its commitment to childhood literacy and lifelong learning. The public’s input is important to provide direction to the new Strategic Plan and help determine areas of greatest need.
The online survey, available in both English and Spanish, seeks such information as residency, frequency of Library use, satisfaction level of services, kinds of resources used, areas of continuing need, and barriers to service. All information is confidential with no identification required. Submitted surveys can be entered in a drawing to receive one $50 gift card, courtesy of The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.
In addition, printable surveys are available in Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, English, French, Hakha Chin, Karen, Spanish, and Swahili. Surveys can be filled out and returned to any IndyPL location by July 31.
To access the Library’s Strategic Plan 2021-2023 surveys, visit indypl.org.
