Public libraries are meant to be inclusive and welcoming spaces for everyone. At the library branch where I work, we continually ask ourselves who we’re not reaching and how we can connect with them. As I reflect on this, I want to celebrate the work my system is already doing, while also considering new ways to engage more people.
Recently, I partnered with a local organization, The Common Ground Society, which supports families with loved ones who have disabilities and educates the community on inclusivity. Together, we created a book club focused on books by and about people with disabilities. The Common Ground Society helps with publicity and sends a representative to each meeting, while the library takes charge of planning, promoting, facilitating, and hosting the events. This partnership and book club have been incredibly successful and have taught me valuable lessons about facilitation and the nuances of hosting inclusive spaces.
Everyone who has attended our meetings is deeply grateful for a place where disabilities can be discussed openly and where people’s voices are heard. The majority of participants are parents of children with disabilities. However, a few individuals with disabilities have shared that listening to parents discuss their challenges has been triggering, as it reminds them of the strain they may have caused their parents. We also noticed that people with disabilities weren’t speaking as much as the parents of children with disabilities. In response, we implemented a plan where each person has the opportunity to speak at the start and end of each session. Additionally, we introduced a wait timer to ensure everyone has enough time to respond, considering that some people are using a communication device or need extra processing time.
I’m grateful that everyone who attended was able to provide feedback, especially suggestions for improvements and change.
Looking ahead, we’re exploring ideas to further include people with disabilities in these conversations. One idea is for the library system to host a virtual disability book club, which would be facilitated by staff members with disabilities from our DAT (Disability Advocacy Team). The club would continue to focus on books written by and about people with disabilities. The online format will ensure that those who can’t visit the library in person can still participate, and it will make the book club accessible to people throughout the entire county.