“Empowering Parents Empowers Children”: A Social Justice Approach to Serving Families With Young Children in Public Libraries

• In Event: All in the Family: Renewal and Repair Through Family-Centered and Community-Driven Approaches

Abstract

Social justice is a crucial focus for public libraries, and while many libraries are well-suited to provide critical early learning support for families from underserved communities, they have not been as intentional with identifying and supporting the unique needs of these families. This study explored how libraries are incorporating social justice into their work with young children and families from underserved communities, particularly through three social justice principles–equity, engagement, and empowerment–to contribute to remedy and repair. Written reflections with 18 library educators reveal that they are incorporating equity, engagement, and empowerment into their programs and services for young children and families from underserved communities in varied and diverse ways, and in turn contributing to remedy and repair for these families.

Authors

• Kathleen Campana, Louisiana State University

• J. Elizabeth Mills, University of Washington

• Jacqueline Renee Kociubuk, University of Rhode Island

• Michelle Holley Martin, University of Washington