Library Resources for Understanding

“[T]he mission of the Library—to educate, welcome and respect all perspectives, convene safe and productive conversations, and offer opportunity to all—directly combats divisiveness, ignorance, hate, and racism.”
—Tony Marx, New York Public Library President

The American Library in Paris stands in solidarity against racism and for the pursuit of inquiry, knowledge, and conversation.

In the wake of recent protests in the United States following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May, readers have reached out to us for resources to learn more about these events, and the issues underlying them. In pre-pandemic times, members browsed the stacks for deeper understanding. While our stacks are closed, we suggest the following reading lists, compiled by reputable outlets. Many of these titles are in the American Library in Paris collection and may be requested via curbside lending:

An Antiracist Reading List from the New York Times
This Social Justice Reading List from the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) and the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Social Justice Reading List from the Skokie (IL) Public Library
Anti-racism Reading Lists for Adults and Young Readers from the Santa Cruz (CA) Bookshop
Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
Books on Racism, Sexism, and Class from Goodreads
A thoughtful blog post by New York Public Library President Tony Marx on the role of libraries as safe spaces for learning and conversation to combat ignorance and injustice.
It’s Black Storytime! on YouTube from the Multnomah County (OR) Library