Happy Fall 2018 everyone!
I’m excited to say hello as I begin my year as DVC President. Change provides opportunity for reflection, and so my thoughts go towards all the accomplishments of the past year. In the 2017-2018 year, we held two successful programs on news literacy and library partnerships, we awarded $3,000 in scholarships to members to support their professional development, and we provided mentorship opportunities for students and librarians. In effect, we continued to build community for you – our esteemed network of library workers in the Delaware Valley.
I’m thankful for all of the people I have met this past year and the new relationships that I’ve formed. Each interaction reminds me of the value of the work of a local chapter of our professional organization. Through our community we provide professional development, support one another during challenges and change, and build our ability to consider different perspectives and challenge our own lens.
Our upcoming fall program supports each of these endeavors. Librarians as Advocates: Leading Activism on Your Campus and Beyond will be a day devoted to identifying our work as librarians as that which resists systems of oppression and supports those marginalized in our society. Library work has at its core the values inherent in access of information to all – equity, diversity, inclusion, and freedom. However, sometimes these values are lost in the day-to-day business of running a library. Join us on October 26th to be reinvigorated in the action of library work towards a better future for all. We are currently accepting submissions for lightning round proposals, we are in the process of assembling an amazing panel of librarian activists and community organizers, and we are planning an afternoon of roundtable dialogue. Stay tuned for registration information, which will be shared in the near future!
Libraries and librarians are well-positioned to make a difference in the lives of those who need us most. Together we are stronger and can achieve more. Please join me in building professional relationships; your participation will make us a more prepared, effective community of action.
-Jess Denke