Interview with a Librarian - Colonda Peterson

Include

I had the pleasure of meeting with school librarian Colonda Peterson at the South Carolina Association of School Librarians conference. She is an elementary librarian at Killian Elementary in Columbia, SC. I spoke with her to learn more about the American Association of School Librarians shared foundation Include. This is what she had to say.

"Inclusion is so important for our students. I strive to build a diverse collection of books that reflect all of my students. I also create lessons and activities that celebrate all of us." - Colonda Peterson

Q: What are some examples of the ways in which you are implementing these competencies in your library program?

A: "I taught the students the electric slide." "First we read, The Electric Slide and Kai by Kelly J. Baptist. Then I told the students about how this dance is performed at many family functions and events for Black families. Several of the students chimed in and told me about their own experiences. Then we did the electric slide! It was so fun!" "I love lessons like this because it allows students to share about their own cultures. "

Q: What are some of the resources in your library program that you are using to implement these competencies?

A: "Many of the resources in my library for inclusion are books." "I use a lot of social-emotional learning books to teach empathy and social awareness. Some of my favorites are The Proudest Blue by Ibtihaj Muhammad and S.K. Ali, Fry Bread by Kevin Maillard, and Your Name is a Song by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow."

Mrs. Peterson also commented on her commitment to curating books written by authors of color. She stressed that it's important for students to hear authentic stories from the people who have lived those experiences. I couldn't agree more.

Q: Do any of the competencies that you are implementing include collaboration with classroom teachers?  If so, please provide examples.

A: "I do a school-wide read every year. Usually, the book centers around diversity and inclusion. This year we read Crown: Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes. The book is a celebration of Black hair. I asked all the teachers to read the book at the beginning of the year as an icebreaker activity. It's also an opportunity to learn more about your students."

Q: What are some of the challenges that you face when trying to implement these competencies?

A: "I don't get pushback too often but I've heard things. I think people fear the unknown. They fear what's different. They may say I focus on Black students and their stories but that is my student population. I want to teach everyone about our kids and their experience. I can do that through books."

Colonda Peterson is a second-year librarian. She recently graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Master of Library Science. Her library is a celebration of diversity. She works extremely hard to make sure all of her students feel welcome and supported. Her insights on the shared foundation Include clearly reflect her commitment as a school librarian. We should all strive to make all of our students feel welcome, supported, and seen. A school library is a place for all and it is a place where students should be able to learn more about the world and the people in it. How are you demonstrating a commitment to diversity and inclusion?