These past weeks have shown a spotlight on the tremendous injustices happening across our country. We stand in solidarity with our communities who are voicing their deep frustration and who are standing up for equity, inclusion, and social justice. To create an inclusive environment for all, San Mateo County Libraries is reaffirming its commitment to education and community dialogue around race and social justice by making a selection of titles available without holds through our shared Peninsula Library System OverDrive collection. There are no wait times, so you can take action immediately.
No Holds eBooks and eAudiobooks
How to Be An Antiracist
Kendi's book unpacks the concepts behind racist thinking and challenges readers to become antiracist. Ultimately, as a society, we need to challenge racist thoughts and adopt new ways of thinking. eAudiobook version, opens a new window available as well.
White Fragility
Robin DiAngelo's "White Fragility" discusses the defensiveness many white people feel when confronted with their privilege and racism. This book discusses constructive ways to confront these issues and begin tearing down the practice of white fragility and its inherent ability to support structural inequalities. eAudiobook version, opens a new window available as well.
Me and White Supremacy
Layla Saad's "Me and White Supremacy" started with an Instagram social media campaign asking readers to share personal stories of racist behavior they participated in. It's a book that provides practical advice to combat racism and challenge notions of white privilege. (Note: the no-wait eBook is available through Hoopla). eAudiobook version, opens a new window available as well.
The New Jim Crow
Michelle Alexander's book talks about mass incarceration of people of color becoming the modern equivalent to the Jim Crow segregation laws. (Note: the no-wait eBook is available through Hoopla)
No Holds eAudiobooks
Malcom X
Malcolm X has been best known through his autobiography (written with Alex Haley), published shortly after his death. Nearly a half-century later, Marable's reinterpretation of Malcolm's life answers questions raised by the autobiography. (Note: the no-holds is only available in eAudioBook format, opens a new window.)
Sister Outsider
In the Los Angeles Review of Books, Antoinette Nwandu discusses Lorde's "self-described [identity as a] 'black lesbian feminist warrior poet,' [with] an exceptional ability to transform her hopes and dreams toward survival and change into beautifully actionable language."
Ain't I A Woman
This classic work of feminist scholarship examines the impact of sexism on black women during slavery, the devaluation of black womanhood, black male sexism, racism among feminists, and the black woman's involvement with feminism.
Redefining Realness
In this coming-of-age autobiography, Janet Mock brings new perspective on being young, multiracial, economically challenged, and transgender.
So You Want to Talk About Race
We live in a world where many of the facets of white privilege and racist thought remain insidiously just below the surface and beyond the recognition of many in our society. Ijeoma Oluo's "So You Want To Talk About Race" helps us reveal these flawed thoughts and challenge them one-by-one.
Citizen
In prose poems and poetic essays, Rankine documents ordinary encounters, reflexive remarks, and individual experiences poisoned by racism.
More Antiracism Collections
Already read everything on this list? We have even more social justice books for you to check out.
- Hoopla has a collection of eBooks and eAudiobooks called "Conversations About Race", opens a new window that are available for you to check out right away. All you need is a San Mateo County Libraries card and a Hoopla account to start listening.
- San Mateo County Libraries' staff picks on race and social justice (for all ages).
- Peninsula Library System Race and Social Justice, opens a new window and Juneteenth, opens a new window book lists on OverDrive.
- San Mateo County Libraries' Books for Racial Justice, opens a new window collection on Axis 360.
Have you read any of these books? What will you read next and how will you apply it to your community? Let us know in the comments below.
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