Alexandra L Billo - More than a Library Card

    

    Some people might see the library card as just another card, something for free or easily accessible, but to me, I see it as a privilege that gives me access to millions of resources that others don’t have. The Woodruff Library is unique in that four colleges and the public share this space. With my library card, I plan to take advantage of the many resources the library has and the vast knowledge of texts between its pages. In our current political climate, it is pressing that we value access to unfiltered literature, specifically that of people of color. This current administration is actively banning and altering literature that speaks about different cultures, history, and perspectives, in order to push one narrative. Similar to the Holocaust, the act of burning literature helped maintain one portrayal of history. Moreover, during my time living overseas in West Africa, you could only access a library if you attended a school or a university. Even then, most of these libraries were not stocked with the resources housed in Woodruff. Americans often forget the multitude of resources they have, which is a privilege that many people in Africa do not have. Specifically for women, regular access to a library like Woodruff is unheard of in many countries in West Africa. The privilege of my being at Spelman is something that I will not forget, as it houses many intelligent, bright young Black women. 

By Alexandra L Billo