Overview
The Pickering Public Library Anti-Black Racism Working Group (ABRWG) is a community-based group, focusing on Library services with a lens of anti-Black racism. Consisting of appointed community volunteers, the ABRWG reviews community feedback and identified priorities and collaborates with library staff to create and implement action plans for improvements and enhancements to library services as well as internal processes. Recommendations and action plans focus on addressing identified systemic discrimination impacting the library experience for community members who self-identify as Black.
Want to join the Pickering Public Library ABRWG?
Pickering Public Library is currently accepting expressions of interest from Pickering residents who self-identify as members of the Black community to join the ABRWG!
The ABRWG collaborates with the Library Board and Library staff, identifying barriers, service improvements, and anti-Black racism strategies to ensure library services are responsive and representative of library clients. 
The ABRWG endeavours to be an intentional space for Black voices, bringing together community members to share lived experiences and to collaborate on recommendations for Library services and enhancements.
Appointed ABRWG members are eligible to enroll in the Honorarium Program, as outlined in the ABRWG Terms of Reference.
Interested applicants must complete and submit an expression of interest form by end of day April 25, 2025.
To apply:
Review and complete the ABR Working Group Expression of Interest Form 2025, opens a new window - click here, opens a new window to download. All completed digital EOI forms must be emailed to abrwg@pickeringlibrary.ca by April 25, 2025.
Can't access or complete the digital form? Printed copies of the EOI form are available at all Pickering Public Library locations. Please see staff for assistance. Completed paper forms must be dropped off to the front desk staff at any Pickering Public Library location by the due date.
We thank all interested applicants! Please accept our sincerest appreciation for expressing interest in serving the community by volunteering your time. All expressions of interest will be viewed by a designated Community Panel and Library representatives. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted. Group interviews will be held online (or by phone if online access is unavailable).
Current Members:
- Romina Diaz-Matus (Co-Chair)
- Teronie Donaldson (Co-Chair)
- Charmain Brown (Co-Notetaker)
- Nicole Facey (Co-Notetaker)
- Samantha Adebiyi
Library Staff Liaisons:
- Sabrina Yung
- Shobha Oza
ABRWG Priorities and Recommendations in Progress
The ABRWG have worked with library staff to develop a consultation and collaboration framework to collectively take a deeper dive into the priorities identified by the group. The priorities were established based on community feedback and the lived experiences of the ABRWG members.
This document outlines the framework, the impact of the group to date, and summarizes the five sets of recommendations developed by the ABRWG after working with library staff to explore opportunities for growth and change:
Anti-Black Racism Working Group (ABRWG) Overview
Terms of Reference
The ABRWG Terms of Reference outlines the working group's responsibilities, structure, and purpose.
To view and/or download the Anti-Black Racism Working Group - Terms of Reference, please click here., opens a new window
Contact
Inquiries and communication to the ABRWG should be directed to abrwg@pickeringlibrary.ca.