Branching Out: Pushing Our Libraries To More Deeply Connect With Communities of Color

Albany Public Library was the recipient of ALA’s 2021 Libraries Transform Communities Engagement Grant for its Branching Out program, a community initiative intended to uplift local Black voices in music and art. The library expanded this through additional grants and sponsorships into a multi-library program involving the creation of a traveling mural displayed throughout the region and forging new relationships with libraries and people of color in their communities. Artist collective Amplified Voices led 9 teens in a paid educational art intensive where they learned techniques of self expression, activism, and painting, culminating in the design and creation of the mural. At each display site, the art was further amplified through live performances by local BIPOC performers, who also offered educational art programs for patrons in the weeks following their performances. The initial grant supported three sites hosting this, which was expanded to two more in adjoining counties with additional sites throughout the region currently being scheduled.
The central mission was twofold: to more deeply support BIPOC artists in the community, and to push libraries to better connect with communities of color in their neighborhoods. Every aspect was conducted through an equity framework, with direct funding of BIPOC artists and Black-owned organizations and donated goods and services by predominantly white organizations (including the library). In this program we will share the history of the communities served, the internal and external work done by the library leading up to this program, and the amazing individuals and organizations who joined together to make it happen. Participants will be engaged throughout with interactive discussions including EDI self-assessments and planning guides, as well as sharing of slides, resource lists, and music and video from the program. Attendees will leave with a vibrant experience of the program and thorough understanding of the steps undergone, and a toolkit for running Branching Out programs in their communities.