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Erika Long

@erikaslong.bsky.social
441 followers 133 following 223 posts

school librarian 👩🏽‍🏫 | consultant @ Not Yo Mama’s Librarian👩🏽‍💻 | Apple Learning Coach | book reviewer 📖 | writer ✍🏽 www.bloomsbury.com/us/why-are-all-t…

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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? is out today. 🎉 Release day looks nothing like I thought it would. And the days leading up to it didn’t feel like I thought they would. It’s a bittersweet day. But I’m honest enough to acknowledge that two things can be true. 🥹
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
I can’t wait for this one to drop. S. Michele Echols introduced me to counterstorytelling through her chapter. I feel like it’s imperative in order to maintain your sanity and preserve your emotional health in certain environments. 🖤
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
O N E Uno Un Eins ☝🏽 day ‘til pub day Tomorrow is the day. WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? • 10.01.26 • 🔗 in bio Last opportunity to pre-order. 20% off with code GLR BD8. #blacklibrariansgathering #librarianslooklikemetoo #blacklibrarianslead #schoollibrarian
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Did you know episode 2 of Gathering in the Library went live on Friday? 🤗 Here’s a clip of @leeathelibrarian sharing with Dr. Cearra Harris the responsibility and pride she feels as a Black school librarian after not having educators who looked like her growing up.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
And the winner is . . . @phelixthelibrarian Congrats!!🎉
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Becky Calzada @becalzada.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
📣 An important podcast & candid conversation for all school library leaders to listen to! 🎧 @erikaslong.bsky.social @slupodcast.bsky.social podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com
Why Are All The Black Librarians Gathering In The School Library?
Podcast Episode · School Librarians United with Amy Hermon · September 25 · 1h 3m
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Why does representation matter? Kat Baxter shares her answer. WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? • 10.01.26 • 🔗 in bio
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
It’s 9/25 aka Give Like Dolly Day. So in the spirit of generosity and good books, I'm giving away 1 copy of Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library? and a ‘this is what a librarian looks like’ enamel pin. B/c Dolly would want you to have it. And honestly, Darlin’? So do I. 🩷
Pink and orange watercolor background with an image of Dolly, the book cover, and enamel pin
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Amy Hermon @slupodcast.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Never underestimate the potential a single idea 💡 has in the hands of a #librarian! apple.co/3VvKMIs
apple.co
Why Are All The Black Librarians Gathering In The School Library?
Podcast Episode · School Librarians United with Amy Hermon · September 25 · 1h 3m
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
I recently chatted with @slupodcast.bsky.social about the journey of creating a book which amplifies Black librarians' voices, the importance of community and how conferences inspire action and advocacy. Our convo is live on episode 377. The book is out next wk.🥹 podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...
podcasts.apple.com
Why Are All The Black Librarians Gathering In The School Library?
Podcast Episode · School Librarians United with Amy Hermon · September 25 · 1h 3m
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library❓ Gotta read the book to find out. 🙃 7️⃣ days until pub day‼️ #blacklibrariansgathering #librarianslooklikemetoo #blacklibrarianslead #librarians #schoollibrarians
Black calendar background with Thursday in white. Marked 7 days until pub day. 10.01.26
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
🎧 Are you ready for episode 2?! @leeathelibrarian joins Dr. @cearraharris for a conversation about how she brings creativity into everything she does in the library.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
We’re still in September which means ✌🏽things. 1. It’s still #librarycardsignupmonth. Got yours? Requested your library add WHY ARE ALL THE BLACK LIBRARIANS GATHERING IN THE SCHOOL LIBRARY? yet? 🤔
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LBYR School & Library @lbschool.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
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
vimeo.com
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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
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
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
www.tiktok.com/t/ZP83LdtNs/
tiktok.com
⭐️STUNNING⭐️ 🤩BREATHTAKING🤩 💡VISIONARY💡 I’ve read #NightRide three times and it’s not even on shelves yet. #humblebrag Every time I read it, I get nostalgic. I keep reminiscing the many childhood week...
TikTok video by notyomamaslibrarian
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
“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
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
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?
Erika standing in front of the Bloomsbury booth holding Core Values in School Librarianship and a bookmark for Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
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
Only 40 days left Book cover for Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
📣 #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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
💭 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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
👂🏽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.
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Boss_Librarian @kcboyd.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
“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
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T. Green, MLS 💻🧑🏽‍💻📚🇵🇭🇺🇲 @flipinthestacks.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Maddow: If you lose access to knowledge. You cannot make informed decisions as a citizen. #ALAAC26
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
🌟 One Final Review 🌟 Closing out the review series with one more generous endorsement. ⬇️ Read the review below. #BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
On Juneteenth, we celebrate the power of Black stories. 🧵 💙❤️🤍 Happy Juneteenth ❤️🖤💚 #Juneteenth #Librarians #schoollibrarian #RepresentationMatters #blacklibrariansgathering
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
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…
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
❤️ 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…
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 13/06/2026
✨The reviews are in and I’m honored by the response.✨ #BlackLibrariansGathering
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 10/06/2026
www.bloomsbury.com/us/why-are-a...
bloomsbury.com
Why Are All the Black Librarians Gathering in the School Library?
Black school librarians share personal narratives at the intersections of race, education, and librarianship.While roughly fifty percent of students enrolled in…
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
“. . . 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
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
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
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 30/05/2026
“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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
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
Photo of Theresa Bruce
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
“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
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 26/05/2026
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.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
“As Black women are prone to do, they have charged me with not only advancing myself, but finding new Black librarians to mentor and to lead in librarianship wherever I can.” —Kat Baxter #BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansLead
A Black women are prone to do, they have charged me with not only advancing myself, but finding new Black librarians to mentor and to lead in librarianship wherever I can.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
Here comes bestie!! Meet Alabama’s Kat Baxter, contributor #1️⃣1️⃣. Forgive her for rolling tide. 🐘 Kat Baxter is an elementary school librarian in Alabama. She is a Fulbright Educator and was selected to participate in the PBS Digital Innovator All-Star Program. #BlackLibrariansGathering
Photo of Kat Baxter
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School Library Journal @slj.com · 21/05/2026
Meet the School Librarian Movers & Shakers www.slj.com/story/Meet-S...
slj.com
Meet the School Librarian Movers & Shakers
The 2026 Library Journal–honored school librarians share their best advice and favorite reads.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 23/05/2026
“In retrospect, I either had a principal or coordinator who wanted me to do everything, or those who attempted to place barriers against anything that I tried outside of the basic expectations.” —Stacey Nunn
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Introducing 🎉2026 SLJ School Librarian of the Year Finalist 🎉Stacey Nunn, contributor #10 @bloggerbookie.bsky.social Stacey Nunn is a school librarian in Maryland. She received her MLIS from Syracuse University and has spent over fifteen years in education.
Photo of Stacey Nunn with her chapter title, Making a Presence and Opening Space: A New Day in Black School Librarianship
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
“We can choose paths that are less traveled, and in doing so, we can create spaces where we and others like us can thrive.” —Sean Brandon Jr. #BlackLibrariansGathering #LibrariansLookLikeMeToo #BlackLibrariansGathering
“We can choose paths that are less traveled, and in doing so, we can create spaces where we and others like us can thrive.” —Sean Brandon Jr.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
I feel like this is flying by, but let’s stay committed to the daily post because there’s more to come. Taking up the chapter 9️⃣ spot is Sean Brandon Jr. aka Coach Brandon @coachbrandonjr
Photo of Sean Brandon Jr with his chapter title, Breaking Boundaries: My Journey Into Librarianship
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 18/05/2026
“Being a Black librarian, with experience from Chicago to California, showcases how libraries have grown and how the librarian is a catalyst of that growth.” —Dionne Howell-Taylor
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
“Not only is sisterhood vital within school librarianship, but having mentors and allies provides beneficial support.” —Dr. Cynthia Richardson Johnson
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
“The opportunity to be surrounded by not just Black women but Black history was a reset I never knew I needed. I was now a part of a majority in a field that generally does not reflect the same.” —Aleea Daley-Price
“The opportunity to be surrounded by not just Black women but Black history was a reset I never knew I needed. I was now a part of a majority in a field that
generally does not reflect the same.” —Aleea Daley-Price
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
Meet the Contributor: Chapter 6️⃣ Aleea Davey-Price is an elementary school librarian and artist. When she’s not performing her typical librarian duties, she’s decorating her library in new and fun ways.
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Erika Long @erikaslong.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
4️⃣th up: Chiquita Toure is an educator-librarian with thirty years of experience and currently serves as a certi!ed school librarian. She blogged for Knowledge Quest, authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles.
Photo of Chiquita Toure with the chapter of her title, From Bookkeeper to Literacy Liberator
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