Carroll County Public Library Statement Against Racism

Press release from Carroll County Public Library:

June 18, 2020

Carroll County, MD – On the eve of Juneteenth, Carroll County Public Library is proud to make the following statement.

At Carroll County Public Library, we are guided by a Statement of Core Values, setting forth that:

• We treat everyone equally and with respect

• We meet each other with humor and kindness

• We build community

• We are risk-takers and leaders

• We inspire curiosity

• We embrace challenges and learn from mistakes

The challenges currently facing our nation bring added attention to issues that have divided us for generations. This moment also reveals the important and unique role that libraries play within the lives of those they serve. It is significant that we, the staff and board of CCPL, choose, at the very top of the list above, to treat everyone equally, respectfully, and with kindness.

As your public library, we commit that all individuals, no matter how they identify themselves, will see these values demonstrated by our entire library family every time they visit a branch, speak with us on the phone, or interact with us online. We stand against racism and discrimination, and we reaffirm our commitment to the values and practices above.

We pledge to you, our community, that Carroll County Public Library will oppose any action that undermines the values we embrace; that we will continually seek ways to ensure that all people are respected and included; and, that we will stand with those who are the victims of racism, discrimination, marginalization, and oppression. As we reopen our libraries, our library board and staff pledge to listen, learn, and lead in the work to ensure that everyone is valued and welcomed in Carroll County.

This press release was produced by Carroll County Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.