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Posted On: February 6th 2026, 04:01 pm
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Yesterday, I spent time at the Exposition Park / Mary McLeod Bethune Library (@LAPubliclibrary)for the soft launch of the CARICON Book Club, hosted by Katrina O’Connor, and what I expected to be a simple visit turned into a powerful conversation.
I had the chance to connect with the librarian—also from an immigrant background—and our discussion opened up into questions of representation, access, and inequity in publishing. One thing became very clear: while institutions often say there’s “space for diverse voices,” that space hasn’t reached its full capacity. There is still a deep need—and desire—for more stories rooted in culture, heritage, and lived experience, especially from immigrant, Indigenous, and marginalized communities.
Libraries like this one are doing the work. They are not only curating books that reflect broader worlds and imaginations, but they are actively inviting more voices in. The message from inside the building was simple and powerful: we need more—and we’re ready for it.
Sharing a few moments from the visit, including some of the titles on display that remind us how expansive middle-grade storytelling can be.
If you’re in the area, I encourage you to check out the Exposition Park / Mary McLeod Bethune Library and explore what’s happening at the branch. There’s so much more than books—workshops, conversations, and community-centered programming worth showing up for.
👉 Be sure to visit the LAPL Events Calendar and see what else is coming up.
Thank you for the space—and the conversation.
I had the chance to connect with the librarian—also from an immigrant background—and our discussion opened up into questions of representation, access, and inequity in publishing. One thing became very clear: while institutions often say there’s “space for diverse voices,” that space hasn’t reached its full capacity. There is still a deep need—and desire—for more stories rooted in culture, heritage, and lived experience, especially from immigrant, Indigenous, and marginalized communities.
Libraries like this one are doing the work. They are not only curating books that reflect broader worlds and imaginations, but they are actively inviting more voices in. The message from inside the building was simple and powerful: we need more—and we’re ready for it.
Sharing a few moments from the visit, including some of the titles on display that remind us how expansive middle-grade storytelling can be.
If you’re in the area, I encourage you to check out the Exposition Park / Mary McLeod Bethune Library and explore what’s happening at the branch. There’s so much more than books—workshops, conversations, and community-centered programming worth showing up for.
👉 Be sure to visit the LAPL Events Calendar and see what else is coming up.
Thank you for the space—and the conversation.
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