Dear Livingston Library Community,
The popular Livingston Listens series is returning, with two new programs featuring themes on inclusion, representation, and social justice. The first program is a partnering with The New Jersey Council for the Humanities to host the Public Scholars Project program, How We See Ourselves in What We Read, on Tuesday, February 12th, 2019 at 7:00 PM.
Do children, maybe your children, grandchildren, or your students, see themselves in the books they’re reading? Reading plays such a huge role in developing critical thinking skills and empathy. Identifying harmful representations and ensuring exposure to diversity is important for healthy growth and development. Montclair State University Professor, Dr. Laura Nicosia, will lead a guided discussion and explore aspects of social justice and representation through a look at a variety of carefully chosen texts.
The second program is a partnering with Garden State Equality (GSE) to host the program LGBTQ 101: Let’s Get Busy Talking! on Wednesday, February 20 at 7:00 PM. LGBTQ 101 will be presented by GSE’s Safe Schools Coordinator, Dr. Tyree Oredein.
This workshop provides a safe space for discussion and learning about LGBTQ+ identities. Workshop participants will learn terminology and the different components that make up sexuality (i.e. sex, gender identity, gender expression, and orientation). We will also talk about several issues that often affect LGBTQ+ peers, such as depression, isolation, self-hatred, substance use, homelessness, and suicide. The conversation will close with tips on how to be an ally.
Please join us for these two important and exciting programs and engage in a dialog about how we can make everyone in our community feel welcome, safe, and valued.
All the best,
Amy