SWAMPSCOTT — Racism and how to end it is the public library’s focus for the next year with residents invited to read five books on the subject that are now available for borrowing.
Library Director Alyce Deveau said the books are homework-of-sorts for residents interested in pursuing a topic galvanizing the nation and spurring discussion and public expression among residents and elected officials.
Deveau credited Swampscott Unites Respects & Embraces Diversity (SURE) with the framing local discussions on racism around the theme
“One Topic One Town: A Journey Towards Dismantling Racism.”
“Every year we take a topic and focus on it. This year, we thought race would be the topic and we wanted to get the word out. SURE has been very helpful,” Deveau said.
The books include ones written for children and adults and the titles include “Just Mercy,” by Bryan Stevenson; “How to be an Antiracist,” by Ibram X. Kendi; “Underground Railroad,” by Colson Whitehead; “Homegoing,” by Yaa Gyasi and “Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry,” by Mildred D. Taylor.
“Racism is a problem in our country, and no city or town is exempt from it,” said reference and young adult librarian Janina Majeran. “The goal of One Topic One Town is not only to raise awareness about systemic racism in society, but to take a look at ourselves, at our history, and to elevate the voices of our brothers and sisters of color.”
Deveau said a different activity focused on discussing race is planned for each month with a “Netflix party” planned for this month to discuss the movie, “13th,” the 2016 documentary that addresses race, justice and mass incarceration, according to a website description.
Deveau said November’s focus will be Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy,” described as a story about justice and redemption. Plans for December and 2021 topics are being planned.
“We’re rolling it out month by month,” said Deveau.
Majeran said discussions on race during the next several months will encompass podcasts, lectures, more movies and presentations.
Residents can visit swampscottlibrary.org for updated information about monthly racial justice and history discussions.
“Hopefully, in the process participants will learn about themselves and how to be allies to not only the Black and brown people in the community, but beyond it as well,” Majeran said.
