Raising awareness is a hot topic, particularly when it comes to addressing racial or gender issues. For those who are actively seeking to learn more about themselves and the world beyond one’s usual borders, we can be grateful that our C.H. Booth Library is offering a starting point.

Recently, the library posted a statement resolving to be a true gathering place, a space where all feel welcome and included, regardless of “race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, tenure in town, education level, and socioeconomic class.” To do so, this public place has committed to staff development and educational opportunities, so that the people who serve can continue to improve on the excellent service offered there.

To help the public learn and grow, as well, C.H. Booth Library is offering three programs in April and May. “A History of Race in the United States,” on April 7; “Allyship in Focus” on April 21, focused on how racism infiltrates everyday life and how white people contribute to racist systems knowingly or otherwise; and on May 5, “Allyship in Action,” encouraging participants to embrace and enact anti-racist strategies, are programs in which any resident of Newtown and surrounding towns would do well to consider taking part. (The Newtown Bee will feature interviews with the moderators of these programs in the March 26 edition.)

These virtual events offer residents a chance to reassess what we think we know about racism, and the microagressions and other behaviors that prevent true inclusiveness.

Like many educational opportunities, taking away even one new idea from a program makes it worth the effort. When multiple people embrace one new idea each, the chances of significant change are multiplied.

We note, as well, that Connecticut schools are taking action to address all of our nation’s history, requiring curriculum that includes studies of Black, African-American, Puerto Rican, and Latino cultures. (Why Indigenous peoples’ studies are not also demanded is a question begging attention.)

What can be gained from being open to new information is what this town professes to desire and confesses has been lacking — that of a more diverse and better informed population.

Other organizations and businesses that have not already done so may want to consider taking the library’s forward-moving commitments to inclusiveness to heart. There are lessons to learn about marginalized groups, as we are slowly acknowledging in our town.

If you don’t know what you don’t know, it is hard to address issues that can affect your relationships with other people, and that may be holding you back.

Visit chboothlibrary.org for information on any of the spring programs, visit the library for informational books and literature, look for informational programs hosted by various houses of worship, and of course, follow newtownbee.com and our print editions for information on programs that give us the power of knowledge; let us be open to new ways of thinking that benefit all.