Here at the FFL, we believe that everyone deserves to see their experiences reflected in the library’s books and materials.
We also believe that books can serve as windows to the broader world and the experiences of others.
Therefore, we have embraced the “We Need Diverse Books” project.
*We Need Diverse Books (WNDB)* is a nonprofit that advocates for changes in the publishing industry to produce and promote literature that reflects the diverse experiences of all young people. Founded in 2014, WNDB emerged in response to the lack of representation of marginalized voices in children’s literature, including those of people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
WNDB’s mission is to create a world where all young people can find stories that resonate with their own experiences, fostering empathy and understanding across different cultures and identities.
Interested in more information about “We Need Diverse Books”? Check out their website here
In an effort to help young people and caregivers locate stories that resonate with their own experiences, as well as those that build empathy and understanding across different cultures and identities, we have labeled books in our own collection with the “We Love Diverse Books” sticker above.
We are committed to curating and displaying materials by diverse creators and featuring characters of all different cultures and identities in our collections. In 2022, we have made a commitment that at least 25% of new library materials purchased will be by creators from traditionally underrepresented groups.
Modeling the work of other libraries, we have chosen to label books that have been nominated for or won the following awards:
- American Indian Library Assocation
- Coretta Scott King Book Awards
- Ezra Jack Jeats Award
- Jane Addams Children’s Book Award
- Lambda Literary Award
- Middle East Book Award
- NAACP Image Awards
- New Voices Award
- Pura Belpre Award
- South Asia Book Award
- Stonewall Book Awards
- Sydney Taylor Book Awards
We want to recognize that, in addition to these books, there are SO many other great titles to explore made by creators from traditionally underrepresented cultures and identities. Certainly, this list represents only a very small percentage of available titles. For more title recommendations, please visit Where to Find Diverse Books.
If you have recommendation for other book award nominees and winners to add to this featured collection, please contact us at lkraus@fflib.org.