Ep. 30: Decolonize Your Bookshelf

EQ:  Why is important to decolonize your bookshelf and how do you do it?

Guest: Kristen Sierra, Tacoma born & raised, Lincoln teacher-librarian, TPS mom

Kristen helps us understand what it means to decolonize your bookshelf, including challenging us to read more authors from diverse backgrounds! We also learn more about Project Lit, a Nashville based program that addresses the problem of “book deserts” in urban areas. This program focuses on providing high-quality, culturally relevant books that empower students as readers and leaders.

Support her work to transform the Lincoln Library by:

Donating to Project Lit Lincoln Abes  

Learn more information about Project Lit as a Nation wide Movement:

Jared Amato who started Project Lit

Project LIT: How a Nashville educator turned a class project into a nationwide movement

Shifting the Culture of Reading in a School

Other useful links:

Contact for Tacoma Public Schools Library Director for information on supporting our Milgard Fundraiser & support in general: Ms. Suzanna Panter: spanter@tacoma.K12.wa.us

Link to Tacoma Public School Library websites for supportive citizens to contact their local school librarian (scroll down and click on the name of the school) https://www.tacomaschools.org/libraries/Pages/default.aspx

Contact for our Superintendent & our Assistant Superintendent to voice your support of school libraries:

Superintendent Santorno: csantor@tacoma.K12.wa.us; Superintendent Pace: tpace@tacoma.K12.wa.us

Link to requesting materials and sharing suggestions with our Tacoma Public Library (must sign in first to access this feature)  

Attendance at events matters and created more opportunities for events! Link to event pages

Come out to Kwame Alexander Author Event on 10/15 at Urban Grace in Tacoma: tickets here

Guilty Favsies:

Hope: good ranch dressing (fancy spices)

Annie: niiiiice office supplies.

Kristen---People, Gossip

Do Your Fudging Homework:

Hope: On Building a Personal Library

Annie: use your public library.  Support your neighborhood school’s library. Libraries are vital to our communities.

Kristen: buy a book for our library! Donate to Project Lit Lincoln Abes

Special Announcement:

We are going to read White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo! #IWLreads #readlessbasic