Committment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility

Westerly Library and Wilcox Park believes that libraries are for everyone and that everyone deserves safe, confidential, free access to library resources and services. As such, we are committed to providing a diverse and inclusive environment in which all community members are considered, welcomed, and represented. This includes all people, regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital and/or familial status, mental and/or physical impairment and/or disability, military status, economic status, political affiliation, or any of the other distinguishing characteristics that all too often divide people in society.
 

We play a crucial role in supporting and enriching our diverse community through:
• Materials, including a comprehensive collection of multi-format materials for children, tweens, teens, adults, and older adults featuring a wide array of characters, subjects, authors, and illustrators with diverse and differing perspectives;
• Services, including providing reading recommendations about diversity, racial justice, equity, privilege, gender inclusivity, and race;
• Programs, Events, Resources, and Displays, including offering programs and events, collecting resources, and creating displays recognizing diversity and inclusivity in our community, and;
• Community Partnerships, including the Town of Westerly and other local/regional/ state organizations.

Westerly Library and Wilcox Park is also committed to achieving equity by contributing to a more just society in which all community members can realize their full potential. We can help achieve true and sustained equity through an intentional, systemic, and transformative library-community partnership. We can work 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 institution 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 a community leader regarding complex issues that are important to our communities

Westerly Library and Wilcox Park upholds the deeply values equity of access to information and resources and the pursuit of intellectual freedom for all patrons. In support of these principles, we welcome all members of the community and seek to provide a safe and welcoming space for everyone.

Approved by the Board of Trustees of the Memorial and Library Association on August 20, 2024.