Nana Adwoa Agyemang
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My name is Nanoj Rajima.
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And I'm honored to stand before you today as a team leading ambassador within your public library.
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Today, I'm going to talk about the library's initiatives to bring awareness about banned books and to highlight the importance of free and unrestricted access to education.
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Over the past several years, there has been an increase in book bands across the US in an attempt to censor certain content from schools and different establishments.
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This is incredibly disheartening because kids in schools are being prevented from reading books that may be important to them, and they are seeing less of themselves in their schools and libraries.
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But the majority of students, parents, and librarians are against book censorship.
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So why is it still happening?
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This is why I believe that band book initiatives are important.
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They challenge censorship, promote intellectual freedom, and foster dialogue among other things.
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The NYPDL is very dedicated to re increasing awareness about this growing issue through the books for all initiatives.
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They have invited band book authors to participate in author discussions, created a band book club for teens to encourage reading those books, and hosted many other programs surrounding this topic for all ages.
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I've had the opportunity to be involved in the books for all initiatives by co hosting an author talk with Ben Book author, Marco Ciro, and discussing his book each of us a desert.
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I was also honored to assist in the grand opening of the teen center at the Maheaven library alongside mayor Adams.
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These experiences were important to me because I know having the freedom to read shouldn't be a privilege, but a right.
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I'm originally from Ghana, and I live in the Ganyan household.
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I remember reading this book called Love Radio, and one of the characters names was Acosia.
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She was from Ghana like me.
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I don't think I have ever felt so seen in any book.
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I felt like a little girl again.
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And it was then that I realized, wow, representation in the book is very important and has a big role in the development of kids and teens like me.
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That's when I decided that I shouldn't wait for someone else to bring more diversity and inclusivity in books.
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I should be the change.
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I should help bring the change.
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From participating in story time at 2 to three years old, to hosting story time to some of my students at seventeen years old.
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I've witnessed firsthand the importance of the library from my different levels of involvement at the library.
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The library has always been a safe space for me.
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A welcoming place where I could go to study to read all sorts of books and also to meet different people who love books like I do.
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That's why I'm glad that the NYPD is taking such a huge stance on this.
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Everyone should have access to all books on multiple perspectives from people from different walks of life.
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It is emblematic of our commitment to inclusivity and diversity within our schools and libraries.
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It defends authors who bravely speak their truths even when faced with suppression.
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And it affirms that every voice, every story, and every person deserves recognition and effect.
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Thank you for your time.
