The Barrington Area Library stands in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. Hate crimes against Asians, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders have been on the rise in America over the past year, adding to the systemic injustice this population already experiences. We grieve for lives senselessly lost and the ongoing trauma felt by other victims and their loved ones.

As a library, we believe one of the strongest tools in the fight against discrimination and intolerance is education. Empathy and understanding flourish when we open ourselves up to everyone’s stories, voices, and experiences.

The Barrington Area Library is committed to furthering its own knowledge and ability to act as an open, equitable institution. Libraries are for everyone and all are welcome here.

Fostering lifelong learning is a central part of our mission. If you are interested in further self-education on these issues, we have compiled a list of resources to deepen understanding of the AAPI experience, ranging from online resources to books available for checkout.

Resources And Reading Lists

Web Resources:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Becoming an Upstander

Be The Change Barrington

Videos from the Courageous Community series:
Confronting Prejudice | With Jenan Mohajir, includes how to intervene safely and effectively

Becoming America | With Eric Liu of Citizen University and Aspen Institute

Love, Anger, & Apology | With Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger