CMPL tackles neurodiversity for 1-2-3 series

CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Since 2020, the Clinton-Macomb Public Library has strived to drive conversations in its two communities through its 1-2-3 Initiative.

“The goal was to provide space for the community to have discussions or at least think about the tough topics we face as a society,” said Amy Young, head of adult services at the CMPL. “Our goal is to provide communities with forums to learn about, think about and discuss challenging contemporary issues.”

With a record of hot button subjects like race and climate change, the library’s 2025 initiative focuses on neurodiversity. Neurodiversity refers to the differences in the brain that cause variances from “normal” functions, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or dyslexia.

“We think neurodiversity is really an issue that nowadays affects everyone,’ Young said. “It’s a really timely topic for people to engage with, and we think it’s important … We’re excited to offer a broad range of insight into the topic, and we think the community, even with construction, will be as responsive and open-minded as they have been in the past.”

With the three in 1-2-3 standing for three books about the subject ordered by age group, CMPL librarians have selected the picture book “A Day With No Words” by Tiffany Hammond, the teen-centric “The Extraordinaries” by TJ Klune and “All the Little Bird-Hearts” by Viktoria Lloyd Barlow as the book for adults. Prior 1-2-3 selected books have been some of the most circulated library materials, so making sure there are enough copies available has been a key responsibility for CMPL collections management.

“We are looking for something we can get in multiple formats,” said Celia Mulder, head of collections management at the CMPL. “If it’s available in large print or in digital copies, then that’s a huge bonus for us … We always order a lot of copies, so we always have at least one copy on hand at all of our locations when somebody comes in. A lot of it is driven by foot traffic since we have them on display and we have signage posted about them, so we want the books to be available for someone to pick up right from that display, which means we get a lot of copies of each title.”

A reading list of other books that discuss neurodiversity will be available for further exploitation on the subject at CMPL branches.

Events and guest speakers have been a mainstay of the 1-2-3 Initiative, extending the discussion further into the spring and early summer. The 2025 edition of the initiative will be no different. Discussions on the subject of neurodiversity and specific forms of neurodiversity will be held throughout the early year alongside craft and play events for children and teens.

While much of the 2025 initiative is expected to play out like other post-quarantine editions of 1-2-3, renovations at the Main Branch on Romeo Plank Road will see the shifting of resources and events to compensate. Events will take place either online, at the North or South branches or at non-CMPL locations.

“MISD (Macomb Intermediate School District) was nice enough to give us some space, but we’re finding people are making their way to the places we’re having the programs, so we’re happy to see that,” Young said.

For more information about the 1-2-3 Initiative and to learn about associated books, events and more, visit cmpl.org/events/123.php.