Libraries Read: 1 Book

Libraries Read: 1 Book is an annual “library community read” project focusing on professional development. Library staff from all types of libraries are encouraged to participate by voting on which book should be selected, then participate in the discussion, whether online or in-person. We will join together, across state lines and library types, to read and discuss the same book.

This year’s title, selected by your votes, is When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir by Patrisse Khan-Cullors & asha bandele!

After totaling the Facebook poll votes and the votes emailed to us directly, When They Call You a Terrorist: A Black Lives Matter Memoir was the winner, with 52 of the total 132 votes!

According to GoodReads, this book is, “a poetic and powerful memoir about what it means to be a Black woman in America—and the co-founding of a movement that demands justice for all in the land of the free. Condemned as terrorists and as a threat to America, these loving women founded a hashtag that birthed the movement to demand accountability from the authorities who continually turn a blind eye to the injustices inflicted upon people of Black and Brown skin. Championing human rights in the face of violent racism, Patrisse transformed her personal pain into political power, giving voice to a people suffering inequality and a movement fueled by her strength and love to tell the country—and the world—that Black Lives Matter. When They Call You a Terrorist is Patrisse Khan-Cullors and asha bandele’s reflection on humanity. It is an empowering account of survival, strength and resilience and a call to action to change the culture that declares innocent Black life expendable.” Those who submitted the title for consideration felt it would be a fantastic point to bring this conversation into the libraries, and to help us better understand the communities that we serve.

What you can do to participate in Libraries Read: 1 Book 2018:

• June/July: Read the book; Discuss the book at your own staff meetings; Offer to host and lead a discussion for other librarians at your location by sending an email to engagement@mcls.org (discussion questions will be provided)
• July: Participate in a live Twitter chat about the book on Thursday, July 19 at 2pm Eastern (1pm Central). Use the hashtag #mclschat. More information about the Twitter chat can be found here.
• August: Participate in our live discussions on August 7, 6:30pm Eastern at Sun King Brewery in Fishers, IN or on August 16, 5:30pm Eastern at Lansing Brewing Company, Lansing, MI. Participation is free, but registration is required and very limited. Please register for Indiana discussion here or the Michigan discussion here to claim your spot!

We look forward to reading and learning with you!