Diversity and education are both near and dear to the heart of Random Acts’ mission. (Just take a look at what our Class Act program has been doing!) That is why when our Regional Representative for Canada – West, Rowan Meredith, saw the lack of access to diverse children’s literature in the Fraser Valley area of southwestern British Columbia, she knew she had to help.
Inclusivity for Children
Rowan purchased children’s books by diverse authors and with diversity themes, which she distributed to Little Free Libraries. A Little Free Library is a “take a book, return a book” free book exchange. They come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common version is a small wooden box of books. Anyone may take a book or bring a book to share.
This cause is extremely important to Rowan. As she explained, “Children in certain areas of the Fraser Valley have limited access to diversity education as a result of both in-school education and a lack of access to resources outside of schools. This education is important from a very young age and can come in many forms. Diversity education in children’s books allows children from minority backgrounds to see themselves and their stories represented in the media and teaches children who come from less diverse areas to value diversity and inclusion.”
Sharing Important Stories
In addition, buying books from diverse authors helps to support authors who are not historically represented in the publishing industry and helps to share their stories. All of the books purchased were by authors from marginalized communities. Rowan distributed them to Little Free Libraries in the Fraser Valley where access to diverse resources is relatively limited.
