Equity Resource Center & Collection
What You’ll Find
Designed with the help of the HCLS Racial Equity Alliance, community members and our expert selectors, the ERCC provides access to over 9,000 curated items on vital topics—such as the history of race and racism, the impact of discrimination on housing, education, and healthcare, and perspectives and voices of the diverse communities that make Howard County home.
The ERCC also serves as a vibrant meeting and classroom space. Fall and Spring classes and events support the educational aspirations of those in community seeking to build their capacity to advance equity in Howard County. It’s the perfect place for curious folks, activists, advocates, professionals, and community groups to network, learn together, share ideas, and deepen relationships.
HCLS continues to welcome and encourage collection suggestions from our community. Recommendations may be submitted via this form. Recommendations for classes and events can be submitted through our contact us form.
Ways to Engage
Inspired by the soulful gatherings of the Harlem Renaissance, the ERCC’s monthly Joy Salon invites equity change-makers to come together to uplift and recharge. Each month, a different host from our community chooses a theme that sparks joy and inspiration. Imagine poetry readings, soulful guitar sessions, or a heartwarming sing-along! No two salons are alike, offering unique opportunities for engaging discussions and delightful surprises – a singular evening of magic and warmth. Relax, reenergize, and find joy in the work of building an anti-oppressive, equitable community—your salon experience awaits!
Join us at the Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) for a variety of enriching classes and events designed to deepen your understanding of equity-related issues. Our offerings include book readings, workshops, author lectures, community discussions and free trainings that cover a wide range of topics, from historical insights to contemporary challenges.
Stay updated on our latest offerings and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive future.
The Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC) is proud to host a variety of compelling exhibits, both physical and virtual, that explore a wide range of contemporary and historical topics related to equity.
Designed to both educate and inspire, exhibits are often accompanied by book readings, classes, or events to enhance your experience.
In 2021, we featured the powerful “Undesign the Redline” exhibit, which you can still view virtually here. Dive deeper into the history of redlining and access valuable resources through this exhibit.
Stay tuned for our upcoming exhibits and join us in exploring the stories and perspectives that shape our community and beyond.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from the Equity Resource Center & Collection by subscribing to our monthly email newsletter. Each issue features:
Resource Highlight: Discover resources from our extensive collection.
Classes & Events: Get information on upcoming classes and events.
Community Highlights: Learn about inspiring Howard County residents who champion equity and other special features.
Subscribe here to receive the Brave Voices, Brave Choices Newsletter directly in your inbox!
Learning Hub
Elementary
- Children’s books to support conversations on race, racism and resistance
- Talking to kids about race: eBooks & eAudio from hoopla
Middle & High School
Podcasts
- HiJinx Episode 34: Libraries Stand Against Racism
- HiJinx Episode 37: Equity in Action
- 1619 (New York Times)
- About Race
- Code Switch (NPR)
- Intersectionality Matters! hosted by Kimberlé Crenshaw
- Momentum: A Race Forward Podcast
- Nice White Parents
- Pod For The Cause (from The Leadership Conference on Civil & Human Rights)
- Pod Save the People (Crooked Media)
- Seeing White
- Talks to help you understand racism in America: TED Talks playlist
- Stream documentaries and films on Kanopy
- Fiction DVDs about race
Howard County Library System’s Racial Equity and Local Action series, sponsored by the Horizon Foundation
Learn about racial equity and how to get involved with Howard County organizations working for change.
Embark on a personal journey of growth and understanding with our self-directed lesson plans available through the Equity Resource Center & Collection (ERCC). Designed for individuals, these lessons help you delve into various equity-related topics at your own pace.
Lessons are designed for the ERCC by local organizations, businesses and individual subject matter experts. Each features curated materials from our extensive collection, encouraging you to explore, reflect, and engage deeply.
You’ll have six weeks to complete your self-directed lesson, which may include books, videos, music, podcasts as well as journaling, quizzes, or having meaningful conversations to share what you are learning.
Access our growing collection of lesson plans on your next visit to the ERCC.