#SRtRCSpotlight: North West Deliver Anti-Racism Library Sessions

This summer, the North West team has worked with libraries across Manchester, collaborating with the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) program to create a unique experience for children. Our sessions focused on exploring identity, encouraging children to reflect on the aspects of themselves that they love most.

In the welcoming space of the library, each child ventured into the world of books, searching for stories that mirrored their own identity. Some chose books with characters who looked like them, while others selected stories that resonated with a special part of who they are—be it a hobby, their cultural background, or their religion. This search was more than just finding a book; it was about finding a piece of themselves in the world around them.

Inspired by the books they found, the children were given the chance to create their own books. This activity aimed at helping children to explore and celebrate their whole identity. Then the children shared their stories with one another, with each child celebrating their unique individuality.

We concluded our session by asking the children, “How can we celebrate other people?” They had spent time loving and celebrating themselves, and now it was time to extend that celebration to others. Through discussions, we helped the children understand that differences often cause division because of mistrust and dislike. But we challenged them to turn that idea on its head—to see differences as something to be celebrated, something to bring us together rather than push us apart.

The summer program not only gave children the space to celebrate who they are but also equipped them with the empathy and compassion needed to appreciate and celebrate others.