London Public Library has created a new resource for teachers and parents to inspire learning about race for children as young as babies.
London Public Library has created a new resource for teachers and parents to inspire learning about race for children as young as babies.
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The library launched the Let’s Talk About Race toolkits Thursday. They’re available in almost all of the city’s 16 branches and are geared to four age groups from babies to nine and older.
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“It came about because we realized there was a need for families who wanted to be able to talk about race with their children with the proper resources,” said Nelson Rosales, a librarian at the children’s library downtown and Carson branch.
Inspired by toolkits developed by a library in Salt Lake City, a team of librarians worked together to curate the material that families can take home and educators can bring into their classrooms.
The kits, full of books, activities, games and toys, are designed to promote “positive and accurate learning,” Rosales said. “It’s very important to talk about race in a positive way so they form positive, equity-based attitudes toward people who are different.
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“What we’re aiming for is to support caregivers to have these early conversations that are honest and age-appropriate.”
He added: “We know that kids from the age of six months are able to distinguish differences in color and race. Children will inevitably notice race and ask questions, not out of prejudice but natural curiosity.”
Rosales said studies have shown that ignoring differences is not constructive. “The color-blind approach doesn’t work,” he said.
Rosales also points out that London “is changing.” About one-quarter of London’s population is Indigenous, Black or people of color, he said.
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A 2023 study, he said, found four out of 10 Londoners who were visible minorities had experienced discrimination, and when it came to Indigenous Londoners, that jumped to six out 10, he said.
“With the toolkit we’re trying to be proactive to create conditions for inclusion,” he said.
They’re available at most library locations and can be placed on hold or pickup at a different branch, just like books. Click here for more information.
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