Library offers materials to educate yourself about human trafficking
"Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For indeed, that's all who ever have," said anthropologist Margaret Mead.
It's no secret that our world desperately needs some changing. Issues including poverty, disease, oppression and pollution are still at the global forefront of human suffering. Among them is one that hits children and teens the hardest: human trafficking. If you would like to be among the "few caring people" who are working to eradicate this horrific crime, start by learning more about it at the Schaumburg Township District Library. What better time to do it than January, which just happens to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month?
Start by looking online at schaumburglibrary.org or visiting the Central Library in Schaumburg, or the branches in Hanover Park and Hoffman Estates, where fiction and nonfiction books, audiobooks and documentaries are available to help you gain a clearer understanding of the issue. Find out who is most vulnerable to traffickers, what is being done, and how individuals and groups can play a part in preventing trafficking, rescuing victims, and spreading awareness. Ask a reference librarian to suggest links to websites that can provide current information, news articles and links to anti-trafficking organizations.
Many nonfiction books on slavery and human trafficking can be found in the low 300s section of the reference, teen and audiovisual areas, while biographies and autobiographies of survivors can be found in the 921 section. Other related topics can be found in various sections of the book and DVD stacks, so it's best to do an online search by subject, or simply ask a librarian for assistance.
Among the books are titles including "In Order to Live" by Yeonmi Park; "Half the Sky" (book and documentary), by Nicholas Kristoff and Shery WuDunn; and "Sexual Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery" by Terry Teague Meyer. Fiction titles for adults include "A Voice from the Field" by Meal C. Griffin; and "Stranger Things by Erin Healy."
Teens can also learn about this issue, which typically affects their age group. "Little Peach," by Peggy Kern, gives us the fictional story of a runaway girl lured into prostitution in New York City. "Breaking Free: True Stories of Girls Who Escaped Human Trafficking," by Abby Sher, is both harrowing and inspirational. Told by three victims who were trafficked as children, escaped, and became anti-trafficking activists, this book provides a glimpse into the resilience of the human spirit.
Those who prefer to learn visually or audibly may want to check out the library's modern day slavery DVDs, such as "The Storm Makers: A Chilling Expose of Human Trafficking"; or "Up for Sale: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery." These are just a few of the many resources available on this topic.
Human trafficking, particularly sex trafficking, is unfortunately thriving in most of the world's countries, including our own U.S.A. Whether you would like to simply know more about it, or are considering getting involved in anti-human trafficking efforts, come to the library to expand your knowledge. You will find plenty of resources and, if needed, assistance, in attaining that goal.
"All nations have a part to play in keeping our world safe for all people - regardless of age, background or belief," said President Barack Obama in a recent proclamation. "During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, let us recognize the victims of trafficking, and let us resolve to build a future in which its perpetrators are brought to justice and no people are denied their inherent human rights of freedom and dignity."