Diversity & Inclusion

St. Louis County Library is committed to promoting racial equity in our region. Our work in this area is outlined below, followed by a list of resources and reading and viewing recommendations.

SLCL Strategic Plan

SLCL Strategic Plan Infographic

In July 2021, St. Louis County Library hosted a series of Community Conversations re­garding diversity, equity, and inclusion in library programs and services. Hicks-Carter-Hicks facilitated this process through a series of in-person and online interviews, focus groups and surveys. We are happy to share the results of their report, which indicate that the Library “is a leader in diversity, equity and inclusion.” The executive summary of the report can be viewed here. Additional findings are available here. 

Resolution of the Board of Trustees of the St. Louis County Library District Addressing Systemic Racism and the Black Lives Matter Ideal

WHEREAS, systemic racism is deeply embedded in the fabric of our country and our county such that an extended and intense response is required; and

WHEREAS, the St. Louis County Library Board has historically supported St. Louis County Library efforts to eradicate systemic racism and continues to be committed to that effort; and

WHEREAS, the St. Louis County Library Board in concert with St. Louis County Library desires to set forth its initial commitments to the Black Lives Matter ideal and the elimination of systemic racism.

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of Trustees of the St. Louis County Library District and St. Louis County Library do hereby resolve, determine, authorize and order as follows:

  1. The Board and Library commit to addressing systemic racism and the Black Lives Matter ideal by the following:
    1. Eliminating racial and social equity barriers in Library programs, services, policies and practices; and
       
    2. Continuing, maintaining and improving an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and respect both in our Library system and all aspects of our community involvement; and
       
    3. Ensuring that the Library is reaching and engaging disenfranchised people in the community and helping them express their voice; and
       
    4. Serving as a convener, innovator and facilitator of conversations and partnerships to address community challenges.
       
  2. Effective August 17, 2020. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage and approval.

Statement on Race and Social Equity 

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. St. Louis County 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.