Chapter 5: Library Verse: Poetic Reflections on Identity and Advocacy in LIS

This chapter explores the intersection of poetry and libraries as vital tools for expressing identity and advocating for social change. Drawing from the author's experiences as a first-generation immigrant from South Korea to Canada, this highlights how libraries serve as essential spaces for connection, cultural celebration, and personal growth. The chapter is organized around three central themes: “Belonging and Identity,” highlighting libraries’ role in fostering community and understanding; “Poetry as Advocacy,” emphasizing poetry's capacity to confront social injustices and amplify marginalized voices; and “Intersection of Personal and Professional,” examining how personal narratives shape professional practice in librarianship. Through a collection of poems, this chapter illustrates the transformative power of poetry in deepening appreciation for libraries and their missions, encouraging readers to engage with their own experiences and recognize the importance of inclusivity and advocacy within these communal spaces.