LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – It’s rare to see a Black male librarian but the Whitney Library off of Tropicana and Nellis Blvd. is run by two, Branch Manager Billy Allen and Assistant Branch Manager Desmond London.
“I think a lot of times when we talk about representation or people talk about DEI, this is how you practice it,” Allen said. “People in the community can be able to have access to a leader like me and Desmond.”
“It hasn’t been but some people’s lifetime where we weren’t even allowed in these spaces, where black people weren’t allowed in these spaces. So to be managing a space like this and to be influencing the young people, to be able to talk to them, to have them see you, to be able to challenge ideas, age-old ideas and promote critical thinking. It’s revolutionary every day to just be here. Just being here is revolutionary,” London said. “When you add on the fact that you can address different topics it makes it revolutionary on a whole other level.”
Allen said he and London represent less than half the percent of Black male librarians in the US.
“It’s important to see someone of color, someone that looks like you holding a book. This is where me and Desmond come into play where we got the books, we got the access where you can see me reading,” Allen added. “I feel like we’re also that safe space where if you’re not getting it at home, you can get the inspiration when you come to the library.”
“When young Black men come in and I get to slap their hand and just talk to them in a way that they understand and can vibe with, that’s everything to me,” London continued. “That’s something I didn’t see much coming up.”
They see themselves as community leaders, not just librarians.
“It really blows their mind that we’re the managers and it’s like you get do this too. I’m no different from you and I think that’s the story that we want to inspire. More Billy Allens, more Desmond London’s to become black male libraries,” Allen added.
Besides giving the community access to knowledge and books, London and Allen have turned the Whitney Library into a community hub to meet the needs of the community. There’s legal help, monthly mobile showers and free meals for library card holders. They encourage everyone to explore their local library to discover the events and services offered.
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