Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Library

At Jacksonville Country Day School (JCDS) we work to instill strong character traits in our students and to create an inclusive environment for faculty, staff, and parents while providing opportunities and resources for our school community to expand cultural awareness and to foster inherent respect for all. One of those important resources includes having a diverse and inclusive school library. What does this mean and why is it important??

A library that supports a curriculum strong in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is one that is filled with books that represent different cultures, backgrounds, learning styles, and ways of thinking. We know a diverse education starts with a diverse community and at JCDS this diversity is reflected in our student population. Our students and their families represent countries including India,The Democratic Republic of Congo, Brazil, Columbia, Japan, Ukraine, China, and Germany, just to name a few. Following the success of our Spring Book Fair, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council was able to purchase hundreds of books with heroes and heroines that mirror our school’s diversity. These books were not only added to each classroom library, but also our school’s main library. Being able to see one’s culture promoted in the materials they read promotes a positive sense of self in children. DEI libraries also enable students to explore the larger world around them and learn about the accomplishments of people from different cultural backgrounds. Learning about people who are different from oneself broadens a child’s perspective and facilitates cross-cultural understanding.?

“It’s exciting to invite students to see the world from a myriad of perspectives. Our students love seeing someone like them overcome difficulty and reach their dreams, and all students benefit from developing a curious mindset and appreciation for the diverse world in which we live.” Says Tricia Finkenberg Learning Design and Curriculum Coordinator at JCDS.?

Students are able to visit our Literacy and Library Specialist, Ms. Jen Currie, and check out these books at any time. In addition to these student visits, we have made it our goal for the monthly School-Wide Morning Meetings to be a starting point for ongoing conversations regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Pat Walker, JCDS Head of School, begins special morning meetings by reading aloud a diversity and inclusion book. After the meetings, teachers will have meaningful conversations about the topics discussed in each of these books. We invite you to continue this discussion with your families in a natural and organic way that works best for you and your children.

Here are just a few examples of the wonderful DEI books included in our library at JCDS:

Ruby Finds a Worry by Tom Percival

Reading level: Pre-K 3 through first grade?

The Wheels on The Tuk Tuk by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal?

Reading level: Pre-K 3-4 (read aloud)?

Ling and Ting Not Exactly The Same by Grace Lin

Reading level: first and second grade?

Sofia Valdez for Future Prez by Andrea Beaty?

Reading level: first and second grade

Mumbet’s Declaration of Independence by Gretchen Woefle?

Reading level: third and fourth grade

When My Name Was Keoko by Linda Sue Park

Reading level: fifth and sixth grade

Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes?

Reading level: fifth and sixth grade?

Sequoyah The Cherokee Man Who Gave His People Writing by James Rumford

Reading level: second grade?

Please let us know if you are interested in more examples of great DEI library books for specific reading levels and we would be happy to share them with you in the comments!