With Black history and Black authors being removed from classrooms and banned from curricula, libraries remain one of the few public spaces where Black children can find books and other resources that magnify their stories.
In an article spotlighting National Library Week, Word In Black education reporter Quintessa Williams wrote, “At their best, libraries do more than provide resources – they create belonging.”
Library funding under attack
Williams pointed out that as schools become battlegrounds over censorship, the sanctuary of libraries, “where Black children don’t have to justify their curiosity” and can explore various genres, learn about their history and dream freely, is under threat.
A recent American Library Association (ALA) report shows efforts to strip books from library shelves are on the rise, and led by multiple entities. The report stated that “elected officials, board members and administrators initiated 72% of demands to censor books in school and public libraries.”
To no one’s surprise, the books targeted most often discuss race, history and identity. Williams’ article revealed that the most targeted novel is by a Black author: All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson. Toni Morrison’s classic The Bluest Eye is the third-most challenged book.
Positive library impact
This reality is all the more disturbing when considering the powerfully positive impact school and public libraries have had on the development of Black students.
Longtime Houston educator Karan Prince sees the value of libraries.
“Libraries are a lifeline to lifelong learning for our children. As an elementary school educator and as a parent, I depended on both school libraries and public libraries to encourage a love for reading and learning,” said Prince, who, with husband Michael, raised two library-loving children.
Those children, now adults, are Nia Prince, attorney for Vinson and Elkins, and Michael Jonathan Prince, an award-winning violinist, producer, recording artist and founder and creative director for Hood Orchestra.
“During our children’s early childhood, and during the summers, the local public library was on our rotation for fun, free outings. There they learned the discipline of how to manage the responsibility of having their own library card,” said Prince. “Story time at the public library serves as a source of educational entertainment, beyond the screen, and the summer reading programs give extra incentives for reading.”
Prince also utilized the public library to enhance her classroom selection of books.
Lifelong learning
Brian George, 53, credits his library experiences while a student at MacGregor Elementary for inspiring him to become a lifelong learner.
“In that library is where I was introduced to literary works, philosophy and mythology from kindergarten through fifth grade,” said George, who was also exposed to a healthy dose of Black history.
Even today, as a college student, George uses computers in the library to complete his assignments.
“The resources of the libraries in the past and present have been and remain a dynamic tool for advancement in and for the Black community,” added George.
Expanded services
According to retired longtime librarian Hellena Stokes, library resources have drastically expanded over the years, forcing people to notice a major paradigm shift when it comes to what most expect to find at public libraries.
“No longer is it just a dull place where you quietly check out books,” shared Stokes, who earned her master’s degree in library science from the University of Texas at Austin. “Libraries today are more like active community centers, improving lives and bringing communities together.
“Public libraries promote literacy, continuing education opportunities, provide factual information and resources, offer cultural arts programs and exhibitions, opportunities to use digital services, the latest technologies, Wi-Fi, computer usage and other services for free with a library card.”
Stokes’ assertion is backed by ALA research that shows regular library use is strongly linked with improved reading outcomes.
“For Black students, who face systemic literacy gaps — just 17% read at or above proficiency by eighth grade, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress — libraries aren’t just helpful, they’re essential,” wrote Williams.
Fight for libraries
To continue providing such opportunities for Black youth and all youth, the ALA is imploring concerned citizens to contact their Congressional representatives to request that they fight to protect federal library funding.
