Newtown Allies For Change recognizes community members whose actions exemplify what it means to be an ally. For February, the organization acknowledges C.H. Booth Library for its Allyship in Action.

Throughout the year, the library staff, led by Director Jennifer Nash, have created and promoted several educational programs that align with and promote inclusion while celebrating the perspectives of a diverse group of people. By organizing author talks, film discussions, museum passes, and information displays among other things, Newtown’s library has exemplified Allyship in Action.

Over the past year, the library has demonstrated its commitment to education on anti-racism work that both supports BIPOC families in Newtown and benefits everyone, with a plethora of programs and offerings.

In celebration of Juneteenth, the film Miss Juneteenth was screened. The film is a drama about a former beauty queen and single mother who prepares her rebellious teenage daughter for a Juneteenth pageant. The name Juneteenth combines the words “June” and “nineteenth” to commemorate the emancipation of slaves in America.

The library has also hosted multiple authors’ talks with writers whose books bring American history from the perspective of African American experiences. Yvette Cole read her book, Harriet’s Dinner Party, which tells the story of ten-year-old Destiny who unknowingly steps into a new world where she has dinner at Harriet Tubman’s house, along with other prominent African American Civil Rights heroes. The author talk “Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System” with Tiffany Jewell highlighted the inequities that Black and Brown students face from preschool through college, and she presented lessons and knowledge from her new book Everything I Learned About Racism I Learned in School. In July, Elizabeth Acevedo provided a short reading from her award-winning novel-inverse, The Poet X, which features an Afro-Latina heroine telling her story about feeling unheard. She provided an exciting conversation and Q&A.

When asked about the library’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jennifer Nash described their efforts, “The C.H. Both Library celebrates the richness of our community’s diversity through thoughtful programming, curated collections, and engaging displays. Equity means ensuring that everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. We are dedicated to removing barriers that may stand in the way of access to knowledge and opportunities. Whether through free access to technology, programs designed for all ages and abilities, or outreach to underserved populations, we strive to create a level playing field for all members of our community. We take pride in inclusion, being a space where everyone feels valued and respected.

“Whether a patron comes to the library to borrow a book, use our resources, attend a program, or simply find a quiet space to reflect, we want them to know that they are welcome at the library,” she added.

The C.H. Booth Library celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 with curated displays and programs. Newtown Allies for Change created a slideshow, which was shown on the monitor in the lobby.

Bestselling author Silvia Moreno-Garcia, writer of several novels including Mexican Gothic, presented a live author talk on Liberating Latin American Genre Fiction and spoke about her writing process and journey. The library also hosted NASA Speaker Rosa Avalos-Warren, who has led over 30 human spaceflights, robotics, and launch vehicle missions. During the Q&A there were several students, including some from Newtown, who asked questions about studies, curriculum, universities, and jobs to match their interests that might lead them to a career in NASA. The author told her inspiring personal story of coming here as an immigrant from an underprivileged family in South America and working her way up to NASA Headquarters. The time and effort offering advice and guidance to the students and families was inspiring.

Though young people as well as adults benefit from all the programs mentioned, specifically for youth, the library has provided a meeting space for the NAFC Youth Group. Nash stated: “The library is proud to host the Newtown Allies for Change Youth Group. The group is open to all 5th-8th graders interested in making our community kinder and more inclusive! The goal is to give young people their own place to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in our town and beyond through conversation, education, and activities following the lead of the NAFC. The group meets monthly. “

Libraries provide an invaluable resource to communities in numerous ways and Newtown Allies for Change appreciates all that the C.H. Booth Library has done to educate and cultivate discussions to overcome racism in the Newtown community and beyond.

Library director Jennifer Nash puts it best, saying: “Libraries are not only community hubs for education and resources, but also sanctuaries for equity, understanding, and dialogue. By leveraging this position, we can further our mission of fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community.”

Newtown Allies For Change is a grassroots organization that centers BIPOC in Newtown. Each month it hopes to honor individuals or businesses that have demonstrated selfless, authentic allyship. Readers who have suggestions for an individual or business that should be nominated for Allyship In Action, nominations — including the name and why they are deserving of a shoutout — should be sent to newtownallies@gmail.com, with Allyship In Action as the subject.