Libraries are for everyone. The mission of E.D. Locke Public Library is to provide high quality materials and services to fulfill the informational, recreational, educational and cultural needs of the entire community in an atmosphere that is welcoming and respectful.
We are examining our programming, policies, training, and resources to ensure these needs are being met in an equitable, diverse, and inclusive manner. This will be a continual, ongoing process and we welcome feedback on ways to best support and serve our community.
The library board passed this Non-Discrimination statement on October 2, 2017:
The E.D. Locke Public Library does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, gender expression, religion, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status in employment or the provision of services.
Programming:
The E. D. Locke Public Library, along with many other libraries in Dane County, is participating in the Ripple Project. In 2021-2022, Beyond the Page programs will be unified under the common theme of racial equity and will aim to engage communities in meaningful reflection and dialogue about race. For more information on Beyond the Page and the Ripple Project go to beyondthepage.info/ripple-project
Policies:
The E. D. Locke Public Library is going to use the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Inclusive Services Assessment and Guide to assess all of our policies, procedures, and services. This work was scheduled to begin in March of 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this timeline has been pushed back to January 2021. For information on inclusive services at public libraries, please visit dpi.wi.gov/pld/inclusive-services
Training:
Library staff will be participating in diversity, equity, and inclusion training beginning in late 2020 and continuing indefinitely.
Resources:
The E. D. Locke Library will continually evaluate our collection and share resources to ensure diverse voices and perspectives are represented and visible.
Learn More:
- OverDrive Anti-Racism Reading List: Ebooks and audiobooks, including always available titles.
- We Need Diverse Books Resource List: Links to various book lists, organizations, and other resources.
- Scaffolded Anti-Racist Resources: A continuously updated document to help facilitate growth and understanding of racial identity.
- Racism in America: A collection of PBS documentaries and programs.
- Talking About Race: An online portal with tools and guidance from the National Museum of African American History & Culture.
- TED Talks: A playlist of videos to help understand racism in America.
- Unite Against Book Bans: A national initiative to empower individuals and communities to fight censorship and protect the freedom to read.
- Anti-Censorship Toolkit: Resources to fight book bans and challenges.
- FReadom Fighters: Resources for librarians, teachers or authors facing book challenges.
- PEN America Banned in the USA: Extensive report on book bans in school libraries.
- American Library Association Banned & Challenged Books: Information, resources, and support to report and respond to censorship.
- American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement
- American Library Association Intellectual Freedom Resources