June 5, 2020

To Our Community, 
 
As part of our work with the Government Alliance on Race and Equity, the Burlingame Public Library Equity Team is committed to achieving racial equity. During this time of crisis, we reaffirm our vow to stand with the racial justice movement and work toward creating an equitable future through the use of media, advocacy, training, research, policy, and narrative.  
 
We stand together against racism and injustice. We believe Black lives matter. We grieve with the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and others before them, and we reaffirm our mission to fight ignorance, strengthen our communities, and stand against all forms of dehumanization. As our great Poet Laureate Maya Angelou wrote, "Hate, it has caused a lot of problems in this world, but it has not solved one yet." 
 
This newsletter contains resources on topics relevant to the fight for justice for the Black community.  
 
In solidarity, 
Cynthia Rider, Elaine Tai, Jenny Miner, Lori Lisowski, Maryam Refahi, Megan Wong, Mittal Shah, Olma O’Neill, Ray De Lara, Tiffany Nacion 
 

EDUCATE YOURSELF
 
We all make a difference and have the power to educate ourselves and others on equity. There are many resources out there that explore different experiences stemming from systemic racism. These are just a select few.  Click here for the booklist and additional sites to visit.  

MASS INCARCERATION
 
According to the ACLU, one out of every three Black boys born today can expect to go to prison in his lifetime. Check out our resource list to learn more about the systems that keep the school to prison pipeline running.  
 

ANTI-RACISM FOR KIDS
 
We must talk about race with children. Start by telling your child that, yes, we do see skin color and racial identities. We can help our children understand racism and empower them to work toward racial equality. Racism thrives in silence. Visit this site to learn more. Also here is a list of books to help kids and teens be anti-racist. 
 

Burlingame Public Library
480 Primrose Rd.
Burlingame, California 94010
650-558-7400
http://www.burlingame.org/library