Collection Equity Award - Jackson County Library Services

With the Collection equity Outreach Award, we intend to add health-related materials – in both print and digital formats, and in both English and Spanish, to our Teen Nonfiction collection. These materials will be categorically prioritized to focus on LGBTQ health, Drugs, Teen Pregnancy/Parenthood, and Mental Health. These categories were chosen specifically because of JCLS’s mission of connecting people to information, but also because they align with our strategic goals of increasing our community’s engagement with health, civic duty, and learning, as well as fostering an environment where all voices are heard. The Library is committed to providing a space where marginalized people have an opportunity to see their experiences reflected in the collection. Increasing materials in these categories is specifically needed here in Jackson County. We will promote the new materials through displays, booklists, the library blog, and programming. All items will also be stickered – explaining who provided the funds for this purchase, and a thank you.