Janet R. Damon, Ed.S, MLIS is a librarian and literacy engagement specialist who has spented more than twenty years as an educator in a large urban district. Her work centers community building through literacy activism and trauma-sensitive literacy instruction using inclusive literature.
She brings her expereince as both a community organizer and racial justice trainer to create thoughtful and impactful professional development sessions for teachers, special service providers, mental health professionals, and those who want to provide safe and nurturing spaces for youth.
Janet is the recipient of the Rev. Dr. James Peters Humanitarian Award in 2022 and the Library Journal Mover and Shaker Award 2020. Her work has been featured in School Library Journal, American Library Association, American Libraries, and Rocky Mountain PBS.
Her joyful programming includes the Black to Nature Book Club, Black Dads Storytime and Book Club, Rainbow Storytime, Global Storytime and the Literacy Justice League, a collaborative of nonprofits, mental health providers, retired educators, housing and food justice organizations that provide book distributions to disrupt book deserts for our must vulnerable youth.
Janet is also the founder of MixMomma, a multiracial mothering blog highlighting Denver’s diverse cultures, festivals, and family travel opportunities. In her spare time she dances and performs with the Intergenerational Women’s African Dance and Drum Ensemble.