| By Jonathan Vereecke, Sr. Acquisitions Editor, Thorndike Press |
Between 1950 and 2018, 95% of fiction books published in the United States were written by white authors. While the publishing industry is steadily expanding representation, there’s still a long way to go to bring readers diverse stories.
To support equity, diversity, and inclusion in their communities, librarians are taking stock of their collections and programming to ensure they match the needs of their patrons. In a recent customer pulse survey, seven out of ten librarians reported they’re acquiring content focused on Indigenous and Latinx voices, and six out of ten reported they’re acquiring AAPI content.
Thorndike Press has always been committed to publishing stories by diverse authors in large print to bring readers equity in both content and format. But when our survey revealed that collection development librarians need more support curating titles from underrepresented communities, we created a new Diverse Voices standing order plan to help fulfill their needs.
Showcase Diverse Voices with a Large Print Standing Order Plan
The Diverse Voices standing order plan features highly acclaimed and well-reviewed fiction spanning a variety of genres from AAPI, Indigenous, and Latinx/Hispanic authors.
With this monthly subscription plan, collection development librarians can bring their patrons new diverse titles every month. Standing order plans also include a discount on list prices, free shipping, and a 100% guarantee on fulfillment and binding.
To ensure inclusivity in titles chosen for the Diverse Voices plan, Thorndike Press works with an experienced panel of librarians who represent and serve AAPI, Indigenous, and Latinx/Hispanic communities.
Meet the Diverse Voices Title Advisors
AAPI Advisors
“I joined the committee to add the voices of Asian authors with a long history and rich cultural heritage to the American publishing industry. I believe in the power of literature to understand and embrace others through reading, and that reading books by Asian authors can contribute to readers’ understanding of the Asian population in the United States and other regions of the world.” —Young Park
Indigenous Advisors
“Authentic and diverse representation in books has significant impacts for readers, and if I can help in any small way to see that those books make it to our bookshelves, then I will do all that I can to help.” —Cassandra Osterloh
Hispanic and Latinx Advisors
“Representation matters in publishing, as we are all varied individuals whose stories deserve to be told and read by others. I joined Diverse Voices to help select new and exciting authors to share with the world.” —Roxanna Garcia
These title advisors meet six to eight times a year to choose high-quality, diverse titles by consensus to help librarians bring inclusive stories to readers nationwide.
Explore More Options for Accessible, Inclusive Reads
With large print books, your library can build a more equitable collection in both content and format. Increased font size and fewer words per page allow readers to turn pages faster and stay engaged with a book. This is why large print is a simple accessibility solution that everyone can enjoy, from individuals with low vision to English Learners to anyone who needs a break from digital devices.
As the format finds younger and more diverse audiences, librarians are expanding their large print collections to offer more of today’s bestsellers, trending titles, young adult books, and diverse authors.
Effortlessly expand your large print collection with inclusive reads by subscribing to a standing order plan, including Diverse Voices and Black Voices.
Select Thorndike Press youth large print titles are also now available in Spanish to provide well-rounded reading experiences for English Learners.
Ready to build a more accessible and inclusive collection? Contact your rep to find large print standing order plans or curated title lists that fit your library’s needs.
Meet the Author
Jonathan Vereecke is a senior acquisitions editor at Thorndike Press. Prior to his large print literature focus, Jon worked as a content developer supporting a range of encyclopedias featuring top academics in their respective fields for Gale. He’s the youngest of seven children (five sisters and one brother) and has two kids, two dogs, two cats, and one wife.