Let's Learn Together
Let’s Learn Together - 2022 - present, Wilmette Public Library
Let’s Learn Together is a set of programs and tools designed to provide a framework for discussing complex topics and social issues. Through literature, programs, and expert presenters, patrons are invited to get curious about subjects relevant to our society, and uncover and challenge attitudes and biases.
Each year, I focus on a relevant topic, which has included racial literacy, gender, and - for 2025 - neurodiversity. I create free informational booklets, special collections, pre-school classroom kits, professional development workshops for educators, library programs for families, and hosted professional experts for panel discussions and presentations. I approach the initiative from the inside out, providing opportunities for staff to collaborate and learn, as well as programs for children, caregivers, educators and adult patrons.
Let’s Learn Together is a set of programs and tools designed to provide a framework for discussing complex topics and social issues. Through literature, programs, and expert presenters, patrons are invited to get curious about subjects relevant to our society, and uncover and challenge attitudes and biases.
Each year, I focus on a relevant topic, which has included racial literacy, gender, and - for 2025 - neurodiversity. I create free informational booklets, special collections, pre-school classroom kits, professional development workshops for educators, library programs for families, and hosted professional experts for panel discussions and presentations. I approach the initiative from the inside out, providing opportunities for staff to collaborate and learn, as well as programs for children, caregivers, educators and adult patrons.
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Programs
Between the Lines - 2024 - present, Wilmette Public Library Part of the LLT initiative, Between the Lines is an ongoing program series in collaboration with Wilmette’s school PTAs/PTOs. Every other month, we choose a topic parents wish to explore in a community setting, and host a one-hour event. We have hosted some wonderful presenters, but the highlight is the opportunity to connect families and build community around meaningful topics. The series reflects the DEIB efforts that are expanding across the district schools, as well as the library’s strategic plan goals of empowering individual growth and an expanded mindset, and fostering belonging and understanding. The partnership also informs the library of the needs and interests of our community. The library hosts and pays for presenters, and our PTA/PTO liaisons advise on topics and promote the events through community channels. The main program is for parents and educators, but children 4 and older can enjoy a storytime and craft in the Youth Program Room while adults attend the program. Teens and tweens are always welcome to join the discussion. One of our most successful programs to date was an event about gender inclusivity and identity. The authors of A Kids Book about Pronouns presented their work through a moderated discussion with our youth services librarians. Knowing the topic might receive push back from some community members, I ensured all staff received comprehensive information about the upcoming program, and worked with leadership to provide de-escalation training and a comprehensive safety plan for the event. Most effectively, I called on the community partnerships I have developed, including the PTAs/PTOs, LGBTQIA+ organizations, and other equity-focused groups, who share the library’s commitment to building a welcoming community. When the library did receive pushback, the greater community showed overwhelming support through promotion, public commentary at a board meeting, and enthusiastic participation in the event itself. Both the board meeting and the event were covered by the local news site The North Shore Record (see articles below). Library’s Gender-focused Programming Recieves Community Support [article - North Shore Record] Adults Learn About Inclusivity, Identity with Author Visit in Wilmette [article - North Shore Record] Open Books, Open Minds: a Let’s Learn Together Family Program At this interactive story hour for the whole family, we engage with meaningful topics through stories, music and art. This program is an important component of the Let’s Learn Together initiative because it recognizes the importance of directly and honestly engaging with complex topics at an early stage in childhood development. Reading and playing together with children creates an affirming space where we can be curious, explore ideas, and ask questions. The coziness of reading together actually releases serotonin, which helps solidify the language and learning that occurs during this experience. Doing activities together as a family brings meaning to concepts like kindness, empathy, gratitude and equity. Open Books, Open Minds introduces families to books, music and activities that build community and help us talk about and engage with the world we live in. The program is ideal for families with young children, and fun for everyone! Art for Big Feelings Art for Big Feelings is a K-2 program that helps children organize complex feelings and relieve stress through stories and art activities. The program begins with a story that addresses a social emotional concept or a challenging situation. We spend a few minutes talking about the story, then we turn on some music and make art. The activities are process based and the children enjoy exploring and experimenting with various materials. We use a visual schedule, keep the lights low, and offer sensory tools and noise cancelling headphones. Racial Literacy Family Workshops This workshop series was designed to give families the language and building blocks to talk about race and racism, fairness, equity, and justice. The activities and books used in the workshops are developmentally appropriate for ages 3-8 with the intent that concepts can easily be interpreted by older children and adapted by families to meet their needs and style. -Making Skin Tone Paint -The Science of Skin -How can family traditions help us build more inclusive communities? -How can stories about travel help us understand how race matters in our society? Queer Aid - November, 2024 Part of the Let’s Learn Together initiative, Queer Aid was a series of events dedicated to the legal and mental wellness of the LGBTQIA+ community. This series was in partnership with nearby Evanston Public Library and local community organizations including PFLAG Evanston, Youth Services of Glenview Northbrook, Transformative Justice Law Project, and the YWCA. The purpose of the series was to present resources and pathways that support LGBTQIA+ community members and their loved ones in a safe and affirming space. Publications Growing Racial Literacy through Libraries: Family Engagement through Collections, Resources, and Programs edited by Sally Battle, Betsy Bird, et. al and published by Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited, 2025 I authored a case study in this book that highlights the implementation of racial literacy programming in libraries. Let's Learn Together: Neurodiversity, free informational booklet 2025 Let's Learn Together: Gender, free informational booklet 2024 Let’s Learn Together: Racial Literacy, free informational booklet 2023 Let’s Learn Together Book Lists To support Let’s Learn Together topics, I maintain updated book recommendation lists, which can be shared with patrons via a link or QR code. Links take users directly to the library’s online catalog, where they can easily browse and place holds. The lists update dynamically as I modify them through record sets. I incorporate the book lists into professional development workshops and parent/educator programs as takeaways. I also include them in my outreach materials. Not only do they extend the longevity of programs, they are also wonderful resources to share with potential community partners. Racial Literacy Gender Literacy |
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