Recognizing all of humanity in libraries requires a thoughtful approach and a humble spirit. I believe that we, as information professionals, have been called to this work because of our shared values.

Every day, library workers provide a vital public function. We are entrusted to serve our communities, and we know that the best way to serve the public good is to welcome everyone into libraries to access accurate information. To answer the call to join public service is to step into the rank of noble professionals who pledge to serve everyone in the best way possible, and that is through equality of access and equitable service.

When libraries elevate every voice, they help people live their best lives together, and that is a society we should all aspire to support. When readers learn about new worlds and characters through books, they embrace humanity in their hands.

With a recent decrease in book censorship attempts, now is the time to be heartened that our efforts to inform the public and dissuade the spread of misinformation are encouraging positive support of our libraries. We must also continue to stand united so that everyone feels they are represented and a part of our communities. Stories are powerful, and to see yourself reflected in the pages of a book is to receive validation and inspire understanding of shared life experiences.

Stories are powerful, and to see yourself reflected in the pages of a book is to receive validation and inspire understanding of shared life experiences.

We must uphold solidarity with authors and members of our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, supporting everyone during attempts to dehumanize people and erase the fact that there are many ways of living. Actively working toward inclusion ensures that no one is left behind and that our communities are all the better for it.

We all have opinions on literary merit, and we don’t all have to agree on the takeaways of a story, but we can embrace differences to learn and grow together. These discussions will strengthen the fabric of society. To that end, we encourage everyone to join our Unite Against Book Bans campaign.

As we advocate for no more silenced voices in America, we need to preserve the lessons learned from these times so that we can work toward a resolution for future generations and prepare for the next wave of hostility displayed through material challenges and other attempted acts of censorship.

To embrace humanity is to call all nations to rise in solidarity through acts of respect and kindness, and I believe that librarianship is the ambassador to all fields of enlightenment because of these shared values.

For example, there was a time in this country when it was illegal for Indigenous peoples to speak, read, write, or sing in their native languages. November is National Native American Heritage Month, and I hope to see many displays and programs recognizing the rich cultures of the original inhabitants whose descendants are still here.

December 10 is also Human Rights Day, as declared by the UN General Assembly in 1948. For almost eight decades, this celebration has encouraged people across the globe to recognize the inherent dignity of humanity, and this act of recognition helps us achieve inclusion.

Thank you, library workers, for your service to the field. We are truly grateful for your efforts to promote sustainable service for all. Wopida Tanka! (Many thanks!)

The post Calling All Nations appeared first on American Libraries Magazine.