Blog

After George Zimmerman was acquitted in the murder of Trayvon Martin a conversation emerged online using the hashtag #BlackLivesMatter to talk about racial profiling, police brutality and anti-black racism in America. Three years and countless deaths later, this conversation continues to make headlines as we take in tragedy after tragedy.

We know the Skokie community is impacted by these issues, and like many, we are searching for opportunities to understand and create a better and safer world for all of us. We at the library believe one way we can do this is through literature and learning.

Our staff has compiled three lists to help you make sense of the crisis in front of us. The lists are broken out by age group and contain both fiction and non-fiction narratives offering perspectives on systemic racism. You'll find them here:
For Children & Families
For Young Adults
For Adults

These lists are by no means exhaustive and only serve as a jumping off point for exploration and dialogue. As our friends at Oakland Public Library eloquently wrote “#BlackLivesMatter is an invitation to listen to the lived experiences of Black communities and to value Black life as a fundamental starting point for human and civil rights.”

We hope you know the library is a safe place for you to ask questions, find solace, healing and community. Please join us as we listen and learn together.