Lexington Public Library

Vision for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Our commitment to listening, learning and changing is ongoing and our work is never complete. We affirm that we achieve more together because of our differences, not despite them. When all voices are heard, we are stronger. 

 

Diversity

We celebrate the rich variety that makes up our dynamic community, and seek to involve and reflect all of it through our collections, programming, staffing and spaces. We call for unity and honest effort in building a sustainable, inclusive culture and accessible spaces that better represent and serve our full community. We will identify and remove barriers in our policies and training that impede diversity. We will work to create a culture that welcomes, respects and responds to the differences among us. 

 

Those differences, which may be visible or invisible, include our physical and mental characteristics and abilities. They include our race, ethnicity, language of origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, religion, political views and age. They include whether we are housed, housing insecure or unhoused. They include our education, socioeconomic factors, whether we are immigrants, whether we are caregivers, and more. We affirm that we achieve more together because of our differences, not despite them.

 

Equity

The Lexington Public library is committed to aligning our policies, practices and resources to benefit all community members. We recognize and value the unique needs and attributes of each member of the community. We strive to use open communication to increase understanding and to eliminate biases. We commit to equity being present in our decision-making by utilizing structures of accountability and assessment.  Our commitment to listening, learning and changing is ongoing and our work is never complete. 

 

Inclusion

We will actively seek to remove barriers to access for all who use the library. We commit to hiring and fostering the careers of a diverse work force so that our community is well represented throughout our institution. We will develop collections, programs and partnerships that responsibly represent all differences. We seek to welcome marginalized groups into our institutions both as customers and co-workers. When all voices are heard, we are stronger. 

 

Approved by LPL Board of Trustees December 9, 2020