ery caswell
What I wish I could tell the library patron who requested the latest Bill O'Reilly book
"I'm sorry. That book is trash. How about we find you something to read that's grounded in reality?" Of course, I'm a professional, I...
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BEYOND THE STACKS
Technology Instruction, Writing Workshops & Community Education
Mobile Social Justice Library
Based in Southeastern Connecticut
Beyond the Stacks LLC is a library and information technology services and instruction business that helps clients acquire digital literacy skills, become confident technology users, and work more efficiently on new and familiar digital tools. Work with us to offer technology classes, writing workshops, and individual tutoring and instruction for you or the clients you serve. Beyond the Stacks LLC is proudly dedicated to accessible, anti-racist, queer & trans-inclusive, equity-driven services, organizations, causes, justice coalitions, and citizen action groups.
Our sales help us operate our volunteer-run mobile social justice library that partners with justice-informed organizations in CT and RI to circulate materials at community education events. We accept donations to support the mobile library project, but as we are an LLC, they are not tax deductible and we must pay taxes on this income.
Beyond the Stacks LLC is independently owned and run by Ery Caswell and offers vocational services above, beyond, and separate from his capacity as a public librarian. The views expressed and services provided through Beyond the Stacks are entirely his own and are not endorsed by any employer.
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THE MOBILE SOCIAL JUSTICE LIBRARY
The mobile social justice library began as "the trunk library." I wanted to have a collection of books to educate and empower around themes of social justice at the ready wherever I was. Today, I manage and promote a growing collection of 300 books, many of which are banned and/or frequently challenged. We pop up at community events sponsored by community organizations and advocacy groups to circulate books to attendees. Everything we do is volunteer-run and time and resource-limited. Help our collection spread its wings and soar!
Our collection of books serves one of two purposes: (1) to provide education and further information about social justice issues (2) to highlight the personal narratives and stories of marginalized people in this oppressive culture. We collect books representing as wide a variety of genres, reading levels, and identities as possible for our available space and resources. We include stories of joy and celebration, not just of trauma and mourning. This project will always be a work in progress. This is true of any living being learning how to love better.
We purchase any books we add to the collection with a library discount, from a Black-owned bookstore, or through thrift store finds. We accepted donated materials according to need. Check out People Get Ready in New Haven, The Key Bookstore in Hartford, or Burgundy Books in Old Saybrook to make your own purchases. Or find a Black-owned bookstore in your city here.
BEYOND THE STACKS WRITING GROUP
I've organized and moderated community library writing groups for the last five years, in addition to proposing and hosting writing workshops with local authors. As of March 2022, I will be offering a Beyond the Stacks Writing Group that meets every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 7 PM EST via Zoom. This writing group is tied to the mission of the mobile library. I want to promote social justice literacy, create expressive space for marginalized people, and celebrate a diverse community of writers and experiences. As the group grows, I will be able to continue my work, hosting local authors whose books are included in the mobile library (like Regina Bartlett, pictured here). Start your writing journey!
Upcoming Events
May 2023
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CONTACT US
Thanks for your interest in Beyond the Stacks.
Please know that you can reach out with questions about events or our mobile library, requests for help finding support organizations in your city, and suggestions for new books or resource guides.
We keep your information requests private and confidential.
For every question you dare to ask, a thousand other people benefit. We post based upon the information & support folks need most.
In solidarity, always.
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