Books and Equity

Our library is like a mini Barnes and Noble. Something for everyone.

As a community relations manager at Barnes and Noble in Bethesda, I ensured that books were ordered for local schools to supplement their textbooks. It's important that our library works together with our schools so all students have a chance to have the supplies they need for their education.

Author Events

“Until we event telepathy, books are our best choice for understanding humanity." Christopher Paolini

Author events have always been and will continue to be a hallmark of our library. I understand the importance of event management, having hosted over 2000 young children at Christopher Paolini's visit when he published his 2nd book. Hundreds more celebrated Harry Potter and when, wearing a witchlike hat, I was mistaken for Mrs. McGonagle, well, I was reminded of the power of the imagination.

Engaging Youth

One of the best programs I participate in at the Takoma Park Library is the Caldecott Club where children and adults read and use critical thinking skills to "recommend" books for the medal. I will support diverse programs to encourage engagement.

Engaging Everyone

While there has been a lot of controversy about the budget to build a new library, I am committed to making sure it fulfills its function to all the residents of Takoma Park and will advocate for more books in Amharic and Spanish as well as other languages.

Do you want to BE a book? or Unjudge Someone?

A Human Library event is filled with human "books" who volunteer to "represent a stigmatized group in the community and, based on their personal experiences, can answer questions from 'readers' to help challenge what is being said/told/understood about a given topic."

I have encouraged the city government in the past to hold a Human Library event. Lately I've received feedback from residents on Takoma Park Facebook who would like to see this happen. I think it would be a good way to connect the disparate voices in our city and to dispel stereotypes of all kinds.