BEVERLY — Talking about race, privilege and biases can feel intimidating and overwhelming for some, but conversations – and action – are necessary to help dismantle racism.

With the hope of continuing and encouraging these often difficult conversations, Beverly Public Library is launching a new book discussion group called BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Voices.

“I had been thinking about how these conversations around race, equity and social justice happen,” said Abu Toppin, Beverly’s director of diversity, equity and inclusion. “And an easy way to do it is book discussions.”

So, Toppin reached out to Allison Babin, director of Beverly Public Library, to get her thoughts.

“I was thrilled when he came to me with the idea,” Babin said. “I think the community is looking for this kind of programming.”

So a list of books, specifically those written or narrated by Black authors, was generated and dates were set.

“There are tons of books out there, but we wanted to be thoughtful about how the conversations would arise,” Toppin said. “We want folks to be exposed to things they normally wouldn’t come across in their everyday lives.”

Babin said the books that were selected for the discussion group are readily accessible, with 25 physical copies of each available at Beverly Public Library, as well as audiobook options.

“Some of these books will give readers a window into other people’s stories,” Babin said. “And this is just one way we’re amplifying these voices.”

The groups will be held at 7 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at Beverly Common, kicking off on Wednesday, May 19. 

The first title that will be discussed is “So You Want to Talk About Race,” by Ijeoma Oluo.

“Each chapter starts with a question and then dives in to answer that question,” Babin explained. “It’s a very robust book.”

Registration for the book group is not required and the discussions are open to people of all ages. 

“We would like to see a range of people there,” Babin said. “I hope that, wherever people are on their anti-racist journey that they’ll take something away from it.”

Ultimately, Toppin said, he hopes the book group sparks continuous conversation.

“We want people to go back to their circles – their families and friends – and have these discussions,” he said. “We don’t want folks to be afraid to tell people when they’re wrong and that they can do better.”

Toppin said he’s thankful to have the opportunity to get these books into the hands of more people and conduct meaningful discussions about them.

“We want it to be intentional so we can continue to build and add to the foundation that will impact change in our community,” he said. “And I think it’s especially important for teens and youths to have a better understanding of these issues.”

Those who attend the BIPOC Voices book discussion group are encouraged to bring a blanket or beach chair with them to the common. To request a copy of the books up for discussion, stop by or call the library at 978-921-6062.

The current BIPOC Voices book discussion group schedule is as follows:

• May 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (May 26 rain date): “So You Want to Talk About Race,” by Ijeoma Oluo
• June 16, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (June 23 rain date): “Dear Martin,” by Nic Stone
• July 21, 7 to 8:30 p.m. (July 28 rain date): “Black Brother, Black Brother,” by Jewell Parker Rhodes