🌐 🙌 Celebrating Diversity Through Book Trailers

A celebration of diversity and inclusivity has been underway these last two weeks as the student body celebrates Culture Week. Students could sign up to watch book trailers featuring stories with diverse characters and written by diverse authors. With each click of the play button, students embarked on a journey of exploration, delving into the district voices and experiences that make up the literary world.

To access the document, click HERE.

These powerful narratives--many of them new books in the collection--explored themes of identity and belonging or were heartwarming tales of friendship and resilience. Students were not only entertained but also enlightened, gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse perspectives that shape our society.

In our library, diversity isn't just celebrated; it's embraced wholeheartedly as we strive to create an inclusive space where every student feels seen, heard, and valued. When offering book trailers featuring diverse voices, we aim to spark curiosity, empathy, and a lifelong love of reading. So come join us on this journey of discovery as we celebrate the beauty of diversity through the pages of our books this week during Culture Week and every week. Happy viewing! 📚✨

👀 #TakeALookTuesday--Iowa Safe Schools Edition

Recently students could attend a variety of sessions offered during our first Diversity & Culture Week. One of the sessions was lead by a representative from Iowa Safe Schools, an organization that works to support any Iowa students who have been bullied.

According to their website, the group's mission is "...to provide safe, supportive, and nurturing learning environments and communities for LGBTQ and allied youth through education, outreach, advocacy, and direct services" (“About Us.” Iowa Safe Schools, 6 July 2021, www.iowasafeschools.org/about-us/).

One of the services they offer is an Affirming Resources Library, a resource for students and parents of school-age children from elementary school through high school. Research shows "... that when students are able to identify a part of themselves in a piece of literature, they are happier, healthier, and better students" (“Affirming Resource Library.” Iowa Safe Schools, 8 Dec. 2021, www.iowasafeschools.org/affirming-resource-library/). 

Students and their families are able to request one *free* book from a list of elementary, middle school, or high school lists. The site features descriptions of each book--you can see the high school selection below:

CLICK HERE to access the order form.

If you or your family would like to order a free title, please visit the website and complete an order form. Some of the titles are also available here in the library; stop by to take a closer look or check out a book.