the_procrastinata t1_itx9q7c wrote on October 26, 2022 at 11:45 PM

Reply to comment by PensWritesActivist in Rosie is sterile. This was her reaction to a kitten found in the street. by Hypattie

So many kids that come to a library really really really need that safe space.

PensWritesActivist t1_itxn2v6 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 1:25 AM

I was pretty sheltered growing up, so once I was allowed to walk to the library as a teen, it made me feel so empowered. I try to give my young patrons the space they need (they are extremely self-sufficient library users) and nothing breaks my heart more than the children who come in accompanied by overbearing parents.

True-Back-1994 t1_ity6ezu wrote on October 27, 2022 at 4:07 AM

Also it’s a place for children whose parents are not there for them at all. That is even more heartbreaking.

PensWritesActivist t1_iu0cyd4 wrote on October 27, 2022 at 4:51 PM

My library really only gets unaccompanied elementary aged kids during the summer, but they are a challenge. I've had to explain to some white boys why "The KKK" doesnt mean "kool kids klub." I'm sure they knew that, and at least there's kids nonfiction about racism. I don't imagine their parents had ever addressed that.