The Frankfort Community Public Library (FCPL) has established a new children’s collection made possible by a 2024 Advancing Racial Equity Grant from Indiana Humanities with funds from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.
The new Advancing Racial Equity Children’s Collection consists of 59 titles spanning fiction and non-fiction books, Spanish language, audiobooks, and VOX books (picture books with built-in audio readers). Diverse genres include stories about coming-of-age, sports, and historical fiction. Children’s Department visitors will be able to identify collection materials by the Indiana Humanities Advancing Racial Equity stickers on the front covers.
According to Indiana Humanities.org, “the grant program continues today to support Hoosiers’ access to materials that reflect the diversity of Indiana’s communities.” Materials are selected from a curated list originally developed by the Indianapolis Public Library and reviewed by librarians, humanists, and Indiana Humanities staff. Selections represent topics on race, systemic racism, and the Black experience.
This award expands an FCPL initiative that began In 2020 when a prior Indiana Humanities grant allowed for the purchase of Advancing Racial Equity Teen Book Club Kits. The kits include 10 copies of the same title, discussion guides, and surprises to share (like bookmarks). Patrons can check kits out for an entire month with a library card. They are perfect options for anyone wanting to host a book club or for teachers hoping to supplement curriculum.
Share this Post