Diverse Collections

First, the library has to provide a variety of resources for the community: books, magazines, programs, services, movies, technology, databases and anything else that is requested. The formats for each of these has to be considered and weighed against a tight budget. There are special requirements for some items like large print books and screen readers for computers. Talking books and audiobooks for other patrons are needed. One way that libraries can help offset the costs of these items is through inter-library loan or sharing items among several branches. For smaller libraries though I cannot imagine how they are able to meet the needs of their diverse patrons.

What has occurred to me as the most prominent thing lacking in my own little school library is books about diverse characters and my personal lack of knowledge. Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized from September 15th to October 15th and I could not, off the top of my head, name any elementary to middle school books that feature a Hispanic character other than How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accent and we did not own one copy of it. I was ashamed of myself when I thought about it. The only famous person I could think of from the biography section was Cesar Chavez and I knew I had some personal work to do on expanding my horizons in literature and with other cultures.

One of my goals this year between semesters is to read more diverse books about diverse characters. I know I like most genres and types of books from true crime to Twilight but the titles on my to-read list need to focus on broadening my horizons.

Reading List Recommendations from others:

https://www.readingrockets.org/booklists/books-hispanic-heritage-month

https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/the-read-down/hispanic-heritage-month

To all the books I did not know I should be reading,

I apologize and I will see you soon.

Love,

Mrs. Hunter