Anti-Racism and DEI
Lake Oswego librarian curated booklists and film selections that amplify marginalized voices and teach anti-racist principles.
Our World Languages Collection focuses on collecting books written in or translated into Chinese, Korean, and Spanish, but we offer resources in many other languages as well. With selections for both adult and youth readers, we look forward to expanding our offerings over time. We are also thrilled to be able to offer Mango language learning for our patrons.
RESOURCE: For our 2021 LO Reads program, we read Isabel Wilkerson's bestselling book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. You can find links to the recordings of many of our 2021 LO Reads events on this page.
RESOURCE: For our 2022 LO Reads program, we read C Pam Zhang's How Much of These Hills is Gold. You can find links to the recordings of many of our 2022 LO Reads events on this page.
ONGOING EVENT: Global Stories Project - First Saturday Readalouds and Global Stories Book Bundles
The Global Stories Project highlights diverse traditions, families, and experiences. Multicultural stories reflect our global similarities, while opening doors to new cultures. On the first Saturday of each month, come to the Children's Library to listen to stories told in different languages by Lake Oswego community members. Each month spotlights a different world language, a familiar song, and a simple take-home craft. Also, be sure to check out our Global Stories Book Bundles, available in the Children's Library during all open hours. Journey across the globe and explore aspects of life in many cultures with the multicultural Book Bundles. Learn how kids around the world play, learn, eat, dress, and fill their days. These sets of five stories reflect our global similarities, while opening doors to new cultures and experiences.
ONGOING EVENT: Building Bridges Book Group - Last Saturday of each month, 10am
We invite you to join our online Building Bridges Book Group. Through the reading and discussion of acclaimed works of fact and fiction, we seek greater appreciation of the rich diversity of life, to build understanding, empathy, and connection in our world.
ONGOING EVENT: A Bookish Affair Book Group - Second Sunday of each month, 11am
Exploring intersectionality can and should take place in all areas of life. Two of our librarians are discussing diversity and inclusion in the romance genre both in their discussion group, and in their podcast. We invite you to listen to more than 40 podcast episodes pondering many sensitive topics through the lens of literature. More book lists and information on the monthly discussion can be found on the Bookish Affair page.
ANNUAL EVENT: Lunar New Year Festival
Each year we invite the community to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the library with a variety of fun activities for the whole family! The festival features a spectacular lion dance, a special performance of songs, dance, and poetry by children from Heart Strings Mandarin; stories for children; and crafts for all ages.
ANNUAL EVENT: MLK Community Celebration
Each year, we commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and teachings with a family-friendly celebration that features the arts and inspires attendees to volunteer for local social service organizations that further Dr. King's legacy. You can read details about the 2024 MLK Community Celebration on this page.
ANNUAL EVENT: Juneteenth - June 19
In 2021, the City of Lake Oswego and Respond to Racism began collaborating annually to commemorate the end of slavery with a community celebration honoring the historic day on June 19 at Millennium Plaza Park. Watch interviews of Black citizens reflecting on the 2021 event as captured by Bruce Poinsette.
The City of Lake Oswego aspires to be an organization where every person feels safe, welcomed, supported, and included. Over the past few years, the City has taken a number of actions to break down barriers that, historically, have made it harder for some people in our community to succeed. Read more about our goals and initiatives, along with statements from City leaders.
Lake Oswego Public Library is committed to building a culture and space that is accessible and welcoming to all, and where all people, of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, have equitable opportunities to thrive.
Read our full LOPL Anti-Racism and DEI Statement and view a glossary of terms here.
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