Statement on Racial & Social Equity

As government appointed leaders of our public library, we are committed to achieving racial and social equity by contributing to a more just society in which all community members can realize their full potential. Our library can help achieve true and sustained equity through an intentional, systemic and transformative library-community partnership. Our library is working to achieve equity in the communities we serve by:

• Eliminating racial and social equity barriers in library programs, services, policies and practices
• Creating and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion and respect both in our library systems and in all aspects of our community role
• Ensuring that we are reaching and engaging disenfranchised people in the community and helping them express their voice
• Serving as a convener and facilitator of conversations and partnerships to address community challenges
• Being forthright on tough issues that are important to our communities

Libraries are trusted, venerable and enduring institutions, central to their communities and an essential participant in the movement for racial and social equity.

Adopted by the La Crosse Library Board of Trustees, 12/22/2022