January 11 – February 28, 2021 @ Johnson City Public Library
JOHNSON CITY –J ohnson City Public Library is holding an Own Voices Winter Reading Challenge for all ages from Monday, Jan. 11 to Sunday, Feb. 28. The term “Own Voices” refers to books in which the author and the story’s main character share an ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, or other aspect of their identity.
Each week the library features a different underrepresented group in our community, through themed, age-appropriate booklists and online events with local partners. People register for the challenge at www.jcpl.org/own-voices. Participants keep track of the Own Voices books they read, write book reviews and earn virtual badges for their reading progress.
JCPL is highlighting diverse "Own Voices" books and authors for the next two months to encourage people to discover books that broaden and deepen their understanding of others’ experiences and perspectives.
Adult Services Manager Lisa Krekelberg explains that the concept of Own Voices fits well with the library’s values. “We serve everyone in our community. By featuring Own Voices books and working with local organizations that represent marginalized or underrepresented groups, we hope to encourage positive dialogue and understanding. We want everyone in our community to feel welcomed and empowered by their library.”
The first step in the Own Voices challenge is to sign up at www.jcpl.org/own-voices. Call (423) 434-4450 or visitwww.jcpl.org for more information about the library. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for daily updates on collections, services and programs.
Category: Literature