Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?: Stories and Lessons

Black school librarians share personal narratives at the intersections of race, education, and librarianship.

While roughly fifty percent of students enrolled in public schools are Black or people of color, eighty-seven percent of school librarians are white. In a profession that fails to mirror the demographics of the learners served, Black school librarians continue to lead and innovate. This collection of personal narratives illuminates the unique and sometimes overlooked perspectives of Black school librarians within the context of today’s complex library climate. Their writing seeks to foster a deeper understanding of their experiences, challenges, and triumphs. Editor Erika Long offers practical recommendations for learning from their experiences.

The relevance of Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library? is underscored by the dynamic challenges faced by librarians in today’s ever-evolving landscape. School librarians are confronted with balancing the challenge of curating diverse collections and providing culturally responsive teaching and inclusive programming in an environment marked by a prevalence of censorship. From contending with book challenges to grappling with funding inequities to witnessing the de-professionalization of the profession, chapter authors address the hurdles that all librarians must navigate with resilience and commitment. They also call attention to the nuances of authentically navigating librarianship as a Black individual. This important book serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of librarians.