About The Project
Though the project was sunset in 2026, the website: Wisconsin Libraries Talk about Race remains active with archived content. Please note, this content will not be updated in the future.
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Where We Started: Wisconsin Libraries Talk About Race (2021/2022)
The project began with a focus on racial equity, aiming to create space for Wisconsin libraries to have essential conversations about race and address systemic challenges. This initiative was shaped by a growing awareness of racial disparities and the desire to provide resources for library staff to better understand and engage on these issues.
Goals for 2022:
- Talking about race at work
- Engaging in sensitive conversations & handling pushback
- Understanding why diversity matters in majority white spaces
Wisconsin Libraries Talk About Allyship (2022/2023)
In 2022, the project expanded to focus on Allyship, a natural evolution from the race discussions. The aim was to build on the skills needed for being effective allies in the work of equity and inclusion, while also encouraging continuous action in these areas.
Goals for 2023:
- Discover what learning gaps exist in the Wisconsin Library Community in order to better inform future continuing education work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
- Improve Wisconsin library workers’ capacity for discussing topics related to race (based on a pre- and post-survey).
- Determine next steps to improve the capacity of libraries and library workers in talking about and taking action toward racial equity.
Wisconsin Libraries In Action (2024/2025)
The project continued to evolve, with a renewed focus on expanding DEI conversations beyond race and allyship. This session’s focus will be shaped by feedback from the library community, with an emphasis on building a strong, inclusive, and supportive environment for all library staff and patrons.
Goals for 2024:
- Promote and uplift deliberate DEI Practices that are adaptable for all Wisconsin libraries.
- Develop and sustain a statewide support network for BIPOC library staff.
- Identify (through surveys, focus groups, and more) additional topics or needs under the DEI umbrella to re-engage the larger library community.
Ways For Library Staff to Participate
1. Watch Past Webinars: Access recordings of previous sessions like “Beyond Diversity 101” and “Moving Past Midwest Nice” with your team.
2. Independent study: Independently explore foundational topics related to racial equity through suggested books, articles, videos, etc.
3. Group exploration or discussion suggestions: We encourage you to utilize the Independent Study materials and the Additional Resources by scheduling activities with your library staff, Board, Friends, community, or others.
Project Organizers & Contact Us: The IDEA Team
The IDEA Team is a group of system consultants and library staff from across Wisconsin. The purpose of this team was to facilitate and organize statewide professional learning on topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) for Wisconsin library staff members.
Please contact any IDEA Team member with questions, suggestions, or to request any accommodations.
Questions?
Mark Jochem, South Central Library System: mjochem@scls.info
Cole Zrostlik, La Crosse Public Library: czrostlik@lacrosselibrary.org
Jean Anderson, South Central Library System: jean@scls.info
Chris Baker, Department of Public Instruction: chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov
Tracy Herold, Dane County Library Service: herold@dcls.info
Elkid Alvarez Maldonado, Racine Public Library: elkid.alvarezmaldonado@racinelibrary.info
Emily Rogers, Wisconsin Valley Library Service, erogers@wvls.org
Emily Whitmore, Spring Green Library: ewhitmore@springgreenlibrary.org