January 30, 2020
Beyond Books: Building Community through Bothell/Cascadia’s Community Reads
As public spaces devoted to teaching and learning, our Libraries have a duty and responsibility to steward diversity, equity and inclusion. At UW Libraries, this is embedded in our Libraries Strategic Plan. At the UW Bothell and Cascadia College Campus Library, this work has long been a part of our professional learning and community engagement efforts in the form of events, exhibits, trainings, our social justice group and more; however, one of the most engaging parts of this work has been the Community Reads program.
Established in 2016, UW Bothell’s Community Reads program brings together members of the Bothell and Cascadia campus communities through quarterly book discussions to encourage dialogue on themes of equity, social justice, and diversity. Students, faculty and staff from both campuses gather to discuss issues raised in the chosen book, as well as selected tie-in materials that go beyond a typical book club—artwork, poetry, music, etc. The events provide space to build connections and understanding through shared experiences, diverse points of view and ideas for action.
Angela’s Voice | by Donna Sullivan (click on image to view)
“The Angela Davis image incorporates a powerful quote from the book, ‘It is essential to resist the depiction of history as the work of heroic individuals in order for people today to recognize their potential agency as a part of an ever-expanding community of struggle.’ The rest of the text in her hair are the 10 points from the 10 Point Program of the Black Panther Party, which she mentions in her book and to which her legacy was forever tied through her arrest and trial. The last two points are on her sleeve.”
– Donna Sullivan, Cascadia College Staff member
Inspired by Angela Davis’s visit to UW Bothell last year, the Community Reads team chose Davis’ Freedom is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement for the 2019/2020 program, with an emphasis on the theme of democracy.
In our fall quarter event, the discussions focused on chapter 1 “Progressive Struggles against Insidious Capitalist Individualism” and chapter 5 “Closures and Continuities”. Tie-in materials included the Black Panther Party’s Ten-Point Program, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail, and the poem by Langston Hughes, Let America be America Again. A Cascadia staff member, Donna Sullivan, was inspired to create a digital portrait of a young Angela Davis entitled Angela’s Voice, which was featured in Fall Quarter marketing materials. Following the small group discussions, participants were asked to reflect on how they would use their voice, or engage in democratic life. The Community Reads Team has been conscious of incorporating an element to the events that asks participants how they might apply or act on what they heard and learned.
Community Reads underscores the Libraries’ role in advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within the communities we serve. These types of events not only shine a light on underrepresented authors and topics, they provide outlets for expression and connection that are essential to community-building, especially where socio-economic lines can sometimes act as barriers for connection.
Community Reads is one example of how Libraries are evolving by providing a wider range of services and programs “beyond books” – opportunities that encourage connection, learning and collaboration for the public good, enriching the cultural fabric of our communities.
Join the next Community Reads at UW Bothell & Cascadia College Library !
Community Reads is open to all. The Winter events will focus on the theme of mass incarceration, drawing upon chapter 2 of Angela Davis’ book, Freedom is a Constant Struggle. We will also be showing clips from the film 13th, by Ava DuVernay.
When:
- Tuesday February 18, 1:30-3:00pm
- Wednesday February 26, 12:00-1:30pm
Where: Bothell Campus Library room LB1-205
Please join us! https://guides.lib.uw.edu/bothell/communityreads/w20
