Library & PTA Initiative: Finding Diverse Books
From the Westport Public Library & the Westport Public Schools PTA:
“FINDING DIVERSE BOOKS
An Initiative of the Westport Library and Westport Public School PTA
Westport, CT - The Westport Library and Westport Public School’s PTA Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are proud to announce the launch of Diverse Books Need Us, a curated list from the Library’s collection that feature characters that have been historically underrepresented in children’s literature. This significant initiative supports Westport’s commitment to provide an excellent education to our children and develop global citizens and future leaders.
The Library staff selections are targeted at four age/grade levels: kindergarten through 2nd grade, 3rd through 5th grade, middle school, and high school. Books were selected and will continually be updated that feature characters who are Asian, Latinx, Black, LGBTQ, Native American, have a disability, or are Neurodiverse.
Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop, who first posited the concept of windows and mirrors as it applies to children’s literature, was a major influence on this initiative.
“Books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection, we can see our own lives and experiences as part of the larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.”
“We live in a diverse world where all children want to see themselves in the stories they read,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “The books we’ve selected provide windows and mirrors for the children of Westport and will help them become empathetic adults.”
“This initiative features curated book lists with characters who are often underrepresented in our storytelling,” said Ngassam Ngnoumen, Co-Chair for the Westport Public School PTA Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. “We hope these books help nurture a society that is connected through a shared humanity.”
To view Diverse Books Needs Us please visit https://westportlibrary.libguides.com/DiverseBooksNeedUs
To view the Library’s #OwnVoices Resource Guide visit https://westportlibrary.libguides.com/ownvoices
Own Voices is a term coined by the writer Corinne Duyvis and refers to an author from a marginalized or under-represented group writing about their own experiences and from their own perspective.”
South Beach Sunset
Families enjoy the brisk temperatures and dry weather as the sun sets just behind Saugatuck Shores. Photo taken from Compo Beach’s South Beach.
Community Spirit Still Strong in 2020
Even during the year 2020, the power of community spirit was the strongest force today as jacket-clad volunteers came out to prepare holiday meals for over 1,600 families in need - continuing the annual tradition to help others.
Al’s Angels, a non-profit founded by Westporter Al DiGuido nearly 25 years ago, funds and operates the annual meal bin donations for both the Thanksgiving and Winter holidays.
In years’ past, the events have drawn hundreds of volunteers into the large warehouse to work together to fill the bins, then load them into a fleet of awaiting trucks to be delivered by other volunteers.
However due to the COVID-19 crisis and health safety guidelines, the work took place outdoors in the surrounding workyard. With heavy rains and wind coming through the area, volunteers of all ages were soaked and feeling cold as they continued their work to get all meal bins filled and delivered in time for the holidays.
During a day of social-distancing and adverse weather, this hearty group of kids, teens, adults, and retirees reminded everyone that there is always a way to take care of one another.
Trumbull resident Tyler Simpson, 8, helps load meal bins into a trailer that will deliver the meals to local families in time for the holidays.
Al’s Angels volunteers work around large puddles to fill meal bins today in Bridgeport.
The Real Dog Days of Westport
As clouds and rain cleared away, dogs and their owners made their way to Compo Beach to enjoy the real dog days.