'Let’s talk about race': London Public Library celebrates diversity, one kit at a time
The London Public Library (LPL) is celebrating International Day for the Elimination of Racism by launching “Let’s Talk about Race” kits.
Each kit includes age appropriate picture books, helpful information, and toys that parents and educators can use with children as part of learning about racial differences.
LPL’s Programming and Outreach Services Supervisor Olivia Stedman said she wishes she had kits like this when her kids were young.
“They would ask a lot of questions about diversity in their classroom. Why is someone’s skin darker? Why does someone wear something different? And I didn’t have those answers available, I did not grow up in a diverse community so I had to find those answers,” explained Stedman.
LPL said the project has been under development for two years. A lot of work has gone into curating the kits to represent the community and introduce diversity to children at an early age.
“We’ve tried to cover authors that have lived experience, which is extremely important. I am not explaining someone else’s story, it’s them speaking of their experience,” added Stedman.
For Lana Winchester-Tucker, the supervisor of the Masonville library branch, the topic of race is a personal one.
She was born in Trinidad and Tobago and came to Canada in 2007 to pursue a graduate study degree at Western University. She said coming to London, it was readily apparent that she had a different skin colour, something that was a big adjustment.
“We are trying to teach it is not okay to be colour blind, because children see colour, and thinking that they don’t can be faulty and can give sense of speaking about this is forbidden,” explained Winchester-Tucker.
LPL said the initiative was fully funded by donor dollars and stressed the importance and need to expand these kits and branch out into different diversity topics.
“Children are visual learners, they go by what they see. Sometimes they might not understand it, and they might come to you as a parent or teacher or caregiver to find out what am I seeing and help me understand it,” added Winchester-Tucker.
The library has 68 kits that can be checked out for three weeks.
Educators are encouraged to reach out to the library to borrow the kits or bring students in for class visits.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.