Erika Long
@erikaslong.bsky.social
school librarian 👩🏽🏫 | consultant @ Not Yo Mama’s Librarian👩🏽💻 | Apple Learning Coach | book reviewer 📖 | writer ✍🏽 https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/why-are-all-the-black-librarians-gathering-in-the-school-library-9798216188735/
Reposted by Erika Long
Get ready for BRAINBOW by debut author @bymayahen.bsky.social, on shelves next Tuesday!
⭐ "An excellent, modern contribution to the small but mighty world of middle grade literature about synesthesia and other lesser-explored forms of neurodivergence." —SLJ, starred review
vimeo.com/1201451364
⭐ "An excellent, modern contribution to the small but mighty world of middle grade literature about synesthesia and other lesser-explored forms of neurodivergence." —SLJ, starred review
vimeo.com/1201451364
Coming a Shelf Near You: Maya Henderson on BRAINBOW
Author/illustrator Maya Henderson introduces her middle grade graphic novel, BRAINBOW. Available in paperback, hardcover, and ebook.
vimeo.com
September 18, 2026 at 1:50 PM
Get ready for BRAINBOW by debut author @bymayahen.bsky.social, on shelves next Tuesday!
⭐ "An excellent, modern contribution to the small but mighty world of middle grade literature about synesthesia and other lesser-explored forms of neurodivergence." —SLJ, starred review
vimeo.com/1201451364
⭐ "An excellent, modern contribution to the small but mighty world of middle grade literature about synesthesia and other lesser-explored forms of neurodivergence." —SLJ, starred review
vimeo.com/1201451364
Back to make sure librarians who can only purchase from @mackinlibrary.bsky.social know that WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? is in their catalog, too.
15 voices
1 collection
📸 @mobleyinthemix.bsky.social
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
15 voices
1 collection
📸 @mobleyinthemix.bsky.social
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
September 13, 2026 at 6:10 AM
Back to make sure librarians who can only purchase from @mackinlibrary.bsky.social know that WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? is in their catalog, too.
15 voices
1 collection
📸 @mobleyinthemix.bsky.social
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
15 voices
1 collection
📸 @mobleyinthemix.bsky.social
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
“Sometimes I wonder if people think 6 percent is an
appropriate representation of Blacks in librarianship because we haven’t seen a major shift in the demographic. I’m convinced it’s not.” —Erika Long
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
appropriate representation of Blacks in librarianship because we haven’t seen a major shift in the demographic. I’m convinced it’s not.” —Erika Long
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
September 8, 2026 at 5:10 PM
“Sometimes I wonder if people think 6 percent is an
appropriate representation of Blacks in librarianship because we haven’t seen a major shift in the demographic. I’m convinced it’s not.” —Erika Long
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
appropriate representation of Blacks in librarianship because we haven’t seen a major shift in the demographic. I’m convinced it’s not.” —Erika Long
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
Late sharing this pic from #ALA26 but always on time with pubbing this book.
Had to stop by the Bloomsbury booth during the ALA Conference this summer to see my editor even though our book isn’t out until next month.
Did you know I co-wrote the first chapter of CORE VALUES IN SCHOOL LIBRARIANSHIP?
Had to stop by the Bloomsbury booth during the ALA Conference this summer to see my editor even though our book isn’t out until next month.
Did you know I co-wrote the first chapter of CORE VALUES IN SCHOOL LIBRARIANSHIP?
September 5, 2026 at 9:48 PM
Late sharing this pic from #ALA26 but always on time with pubbing this book.
Had to stop by the Bloomsbury booth during the ALA Conference this summer to see my editor even though our book isn’t out until next month.
Did you know I co-wrote the first chapter of CORE VALUES IN SCHOOL LIBRARIANSHIP?
Had to stop by the Bloomsbury booth during the ALA Conference this summer to see my editor even though our book isn’t out until next month.
Did you know I co-wrote the first chapter of CORE VALUES IN SCHOOL LIBRARIANSHIP?
T H I R T Y | D A Y S
3️⃣0️⃣
We’re counting down the days until pub day.
WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? hits shelves October 1st!
20% off the paperback using discount code GLR BD8 🔗 in bio
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
3️⃣0️⃣
We’re counting down the days until pub day.
WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? hits shelves October 1st!
20% off the paperback using discount code GLR BD8 🔗 in bio
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
September 1, 2026 at 8:31 PM
T H I R T Y | D A Y S
3️⃣0️⃣
We’re counting down the days until pub day.
WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? hits shelves October 1st!
20% off the paperback using discount code GLR BD8 🔗 in bio
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
3️⃣0️⃣
We’re counting down the days until pub day.
WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? hits shelves October 1st!
20% off the paperback using discount code GLR BD8 🔗 in bio
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
Your next book is waiting for you.
Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library? (paperback) is now available at 20% off on the Bloomsbury website — use code GLR BD8 at checkout.
Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library? (paperback) is now available at 20% off on the Bloomsbury website — use code GLR BD8 at checkout.
August 26, 2026 at 12:56 AM
Your next book is waiting for you.
Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library? (paperback) is now available at 20% off on the Bloomsbury website — use code GLR BD8 at checkout.
Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library? (paperback) is now available at 20% off on the Bloomsbury website — use code GLR BD8 at checkout.
📣 #SXSWEDU wants to hear from you.
🗣️ Don’t miss your chance to let them know “Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.” should be on the schedule.
🗳️ Today’s the last day for PanelPicker votes!🔗 in bio.
To find my proposal, search Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.
🗣️ Don’t miss your chance to let them know “Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.” should be on the schedule.
🗳️ Today’s the last day for PanelPicker votes!🔗 in bio.
To find my proposal, search Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.
August 23, 2026 at 6:53 PM
📣 #SXSWEDU wants to hear from you.
🗣️ Don’t miss your chance to let them know “Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.” should be on the schedule.
🗳️ Today’s the last day for PanelPicker votes!🔗 in bio.
To find my proposal, search Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.
🗣️ Don’t miss your chance to let them know “Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.” should be on the schedule.
🗳️ Today’s the last day for PanelPicker votes!🔗 in bio.
To find my proposal, search Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering? Let’s Talk.
SXSW EDU x Me? Why not?! 🙋🏽♀️
I would love to share how Black school librarians are leading and innovating in a profession that fails to mirror the demographics of the learners being served. Even more, I hope to move people to help shift what representation looks like in school librarianship.
I would love to share how Black school librarians are leading and innovating in a profession that fails to mirror the demographics of the learners being served. Even more, I hope to move people to help shift what representation looks like in school librarianship.
August 20, 2026 at 7:17 PM
SXSW EDU x Me? Why not?! 🙋🏽♀️
I would love to share how Black school librarians are leading and innovating in a profession that fails to mirror the demographics of the learners being served. Even more, I hope to move people to help shift what representation looks like in school librarianship.
I would love to share how Black school librarians are leading and innovating in a profession that fails to mirror the demographics of the learners being served. Even more, I hope to move people to help shift what representation looks like in school librarianship.
💭 For years, I dreamed of attending #sxswedu, but it was never within reach. Now, it’s in my backyard. And it’s happening just a few months after WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? is released into the wild.
August 6, 2026 at 12:36 AM
💭 For years, I dreamed of attending #sxswedu, but it was never within reach. Now, it’s in my backyard. And it’s happening just a few months after WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? is released into the wild.
👂🏽You can only order from Follett for your collection development?
🤔Wait a minute . . . They’ve got you covered.
🎉You can now find WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? on titlewave.com
It’s out 10.01.26, but you can add it to that fall list you’re building now.
🤔Wait a minute . . . They’ve got you covered.
🎉You can now find WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? on titlewave.com
It’s out 10.01.26, but you can add it to that fall list you’re building now.
July 21, 2026 at 2:53 AM
👂🏽You can only order from Follett for your collection development?
🤔Wait a minute . . . They’ve got you covered.
🎉You can now find WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? on titlewave.com
It’s out 10.01.26, but you can add it to that fall list you’re building now.
🤔Wait a minute . . . They’ve got you covered.
🎉You can now find WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? on titlewave.com
It’s out 10.01.26, but you can add it to that fall list you’re building now.
Reposted by Erika Long
“If you don’t have access to the truth and the real world in real time, you cannot make rational democratic decisions in our society.”
- Rachel Maddow #ALAAC26
- Rachel Maddow #ALAAC26
June 26, 2026 at 10:09 PM
“If you don’t have access to the truth and the real world in real time, you cannot make rational democratic decisions in our society.”
- Rachel Maddow #ALAAC26
- Rachel Maddow #ALAAC26
🌟 One Final Review 🌟
Closing out the review series with one more generous endorsement.
⬇️ Read the review below.
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
Closing out the review series with one more generous endorsement.
⬇️ Read the review below.
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
June 22, 2026 at 7:52 PM
🌟 One Final Review 🌟
Closing out the review series with one more generous endorsement.
⬇️ Read the review below.
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
Closing out the review series with one more generous endorsement.
⬇️ Read the review below.
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#LibrariansLookLikeMeToo
#BlackLibrariansLead
On Juneteenth, we celebrate the power of Black stories. 🧵
💙❤️🤍
Happy Juneteenth
❤️🖤💚
#Juneteenth #Librarians #schoollibrarian #RepresentationMatters #blacklibrariansgathering
💙❤️🤍
Happy Juneteenth
❤️🖤💚
#Juneteenth #Librarians #schoollibrarian #RepresentationMatters #blacklibrariansgathering
June 19, 2026 at 4:57 PM
On Juneteenth, we celebrate the power of Black stories. 🧵
💙❤️🤍
Happy Juneteenth
❤️🖤💚
#Juneteenth #Librarians #schoollibrarian #RepresentationMatters #blacklibrariansgathering
💙❤️🤍
Happy Juneteenth
❤️🖤💚
#Juneteenth #Librarians #schoollibrarian #RepresentationMatters #blacklibrariansgathering
Another Voice. Another Powerful Endorsement.
🖤
“Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?: Stories and Lessons is a powerful tribute to Black school librarians. Through firsthand narratives, it highlights their role in fostering curiosity, preserving culture, and…
🖤
“Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?: Stories and Lessons is a powerful tribute to Black school librarians. Through firsthand narratives, it highlights their role in fostering curiosity, preserving culture, and…
June 18, 2026 at 3:06 PM
Another Voice. Another Powerful Endorsement.
🖤
“Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?: Stories and Lessons is a powerful tribute to Black school librarians. Through firsthand narratives, it highlights their role in fostering curiosity, preserving culture, and…
🖤
“Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?: Stories and Lessons is a powerful tribute to Black school librarians. Through firsthand narratives, it highlights their role in fostering curiosity, preserving culture, and…
❤️ R E V I E W ❤️ T W O ❤️ @becalzada.bsky.social
“This book offers a powerful look into the personal and professional lives of Black librarians, highlighting how they center student voice and create inclusive spaces where learners feel valued…
“This book offers a powerful look into the personal and professional lives of Black librarians, highlighting how they center student voice and create inclusive spaces where learners feel valued…
June 16, 2026 at 7:16 PM
❤️ R E V I E W ❤️ T W O ❤️ @becalzada.bsky.social
“This book offers a powerful look into the personal and professional lives of Black librarians, highlighting how they center student voice and create inclusive spaces where learners feel valued…
“This book offers a powerful look into the personal and professional lives of Black librarians, highlighting how they center student voice and create inclusive spaces where learners feel valued…
✨The reviews are in and I’m honored by the response.✨
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#BlackLibrariansGathering
June 12, 2026 at 11:58 PM
✨The reviews are in and I’m honored by the response.✨
#BlackLibrariansGathering
#BlackLibrariansGathering
“. . . without the practice of naming what happened and how it felt, these moments can gaslight us into questioning our own perceptions.”—S. Michele Echols
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
June 1, 2026 at 1:00 AM
“. . . without the practice of naming what happened and how it felt, these moments can gaslight us into questioning our own perceptions.”—S. Michele Echols
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
Our final contributor is Michele Echols 🤎
S. Michele Echols is a high school librarian and associate professor whose expertise lies in interdisciplinary collaboration.
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
S. Michele Echols is a high school librarian and associate professor whose expertise lies in interdisciplinary collaboration.
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
May 31, 2026 at 2:11 AM
Our final contributor is Michele Echols 🤎
S. Michele Echols is a high school librarian and associate professor whose expertise lies in interdisciplinary collaboration.
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
S. Michele Echols is a high school librarian and associate professor whose expertise lies in interdisciplinary collaboration.
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
“When I arrived at KIPP Baltimore in 2014, there was no existing school library, and the absence of a dedicated school librarian was a gap I was determined to fill.” -Theresa Bruce
In “Designing and Opening a School Library Program,” Theresa shares her dedication to bringing libraries to her school.
In “Designing and Opening a School Library Program,” Theresa shares her dedication to bringing libraries to her school.
May 30, 2026 at 3:16 AM
“When I arrived at KIPP Baltimore in 2014, there was no existing school library, and the absence of a dedicated school librarian was a gap I was determined to fill.” -Theresa Bruce
In “Designing and Opening a School Library Program,” Theresa shares her dedication to bringing libraries to her school.
In “Designing and Opening a School Library Program,” Theresa shares her dedication to bringing libraries to her school.
We’re close to the finish line. 🏁 Meet Theresa Bruce. Her story is a rare one and she’s still on the first leg of this marathon.
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
May 28, 2026 at 5:40 PM
We’re close to the finish line. 🏁 Meet Theresa Bruce. Her story is a rare one and she’s still on the first leg of this marathon.
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
“I can identify with being at conferences and not seeing other people that look like me for miles around, and it is disparaging.” —Cicely Lewis
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
May 28, 2026 at 12:05 AM
“I can identify with being at conferences and not seeing other people that look like me for miles around, and it is disparaging.” —Cicely Lewis
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
#BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
Chapter 12 comes to you from 👑🐝 of libraries, Cicely Lewis
Cicely Lewis, school librarian and author, was named the 2020 SLJ School Librarian of the Year, a 2019 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and received the 2019 National Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers by NCTE and Penguin Random House.
Cicely Lewis, school librarian and author, was named the 2020 SLJ School Librarian of the Year, a 2019 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and received the 2019 National Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers by NCTE and Penguin Random House.
May 26, 2026 at 4:19 PM
Chapter 12 comes to you from 👑🐝 of libraries, Cicely Lewis
Cicely Lewis, school librarian and author, was named the 2020 SLJ School Librarian of the Year, a 2019 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and received the 2019 National Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers by NCTE and Penguin Random House.
Cicely Lewis, school librarian and author, was named the 2020 SLJ School Librarian of the Year, a 2019 Library Journal Mover and Shaker, and received the 2019 National Teacher Award for Lifelong Readers by NCTE and Penguin Random House.