Hyperlinked Communities Blog Reflection: Digital Divide, Safe Space, and Social Justice

After completing the Hyperlinked Communities module, the themes that resonated most with me were the growing digital divide, social justice in libraries, and the role of libraries as safe spaces. These topics are particularly meaningful to me because of my strong commitment to social justice and ensuring everyone keeps up with the rapidly changing technology.

Digital Divide and Libraries

Reading the Williams & Muller (2021) article on how libraries are helping bridge the digital divide in their communities prompted me to reflect on my own role as a library staff member. At my branch, I am one of the staff members responsible for implementing a Wi-Fi hotspot lending program. Through this initiative, the library partnered with an internet service provider to lend Wi-Fi hotspots to patrons for six-month periods. Community agencies referred individuals and families in need of internet access to our branch, many of whom are from low-income households or are newcomers to Canada.

I have also had the opportunity to shadow librarians who teach basic computer literacy classes. It was surprising to see how many patrons struggled with tasks that I had always considered easy, such as using a mouse, composing an email, conducting a simple Google search, or saving a Microsoft Word document. This experience highlighted my limited understanding of the barriers faced by individuals who lacked digital literacy skills.

Libraries as a Safe Space

Hasan’s (2022) article resonated strongly with me because it discussed libraries as safe spaces and their positive impact on mental health. Libraries have been an important part of my life since childhood, largely because of their quiet and welcoming atmosphere. As an introverted child, I often spent recess in the school library, helping the librarian shelve books rather than playing with other children in the playground. As I grew older, my university library became a refuge from the crowds and constant activity of campus life. Located in downtown Toronto, the university was surrounded by the noise of the city, making the library one of the few places where I could find peace and a sense of comfort.

Embracing Social Justice

Reading the articles by Jensen (2017) and Garcia-Febo (2018) reinforced my belief that public libraries should reflect and support the diverse communities they serve, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or disability. As we are all witnessing, in the current world there are misinformation, prejudice, and discrimination spreading against vulnerable groups, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of colour. Libraries can play a meaningful role in addressing these issues by creating environments where everyone feels welcome and respected. They can do this by raising awareness through displays, programs, and services that educate the public about diversity, equity, and inclusion. This commitment to inclusion is reflected in the work being done at my own library branch. As June is both Pride Month and National Indigenous History Month, we have created book displays and programs to celebrate Indigenous and LGBTQ+ voices.

Figure 1: Pride month colour decorations at the Yorkville branch of Toronto Public Library.

Toronto Public Library. (n.d.). Pride celebration. Toronto Public Library. https://tpl.ca/programs-and-classes/featured/pride-celebration/

References

Garcia-Febo, L. (2018, November 1). Serving with love. American Libraries Magazine. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2018/11/01/serving-with-love/

Hasan, T. N. (2022, October 20). ‘Free, non-judgemental, accessible’: How your local library is a sanctuary of health and wellness. SBS Bangla. https://www.sbs.com.au/language/bangla/en/article/free-nonjudgmental-and-accessible-how-your-local-library-is-a-sanctuary-of-health-and-wellness/t15blzsi9

Jensen, K. (2017, February 10). Libraries resist: A round-up of tolerance, social justice, & resistance in US libraries. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/libraries-resist-round-tolerance-social-justice-resistance-us-libraries/

Williams, A., & Muller, C. (2021, March 17). Libraries are bridging the digital divide. Internet Society. https://www.internetsociety.org/blog/2021/03/libraries-are-bridging-the-digital-divide/