First published 2014
Kathleen Hanna leads a team of academic librarians at an urban university where diversity challenges create daily tensions among students, faculty, and staff. The library becomes an unexpected battleground and sanctuary as Hanna and her colleagues navigate complex cultural dynamics within their building and across campus. They establish a Diversity Council that launches ambitious programs designed to bridge divides in their local community. The librarians face resistance and skepticism as they attempt to facilitate difficult conversations about identity and inclusion. Their efforts reveal how academic libraries can serve as neutral ground for addressing controversial topics. Hanna discovers that small programming initiatives can create ripple effects throughout the university system. The team develops partnerships with other campus departments, learning to adapt their approach regardless of institutional size or resources. Through trial and error, they build sustainable outreach methods that connect diverse populations. The story captures the emotional weight of creating inclusive spaces while managing practical constraints of academic institutions.
Genres: activism, academia, academic
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, neutral-ground
Setting: Urban University
195 pages · ebook · Chandos Publishing
Content warnings: racism, sexism