equity, diversity,
INCLUSION

Definitions

We're committed to providing services and creating a welcoming environment for everyone. Here are the library's definitions of equity, diversity, and inclusion:

Equity: providing fair and just treatment, access, and opportunity to level the playing field for oppressed and disadvantaged groups also known as historically, intentionally, and traditionally marginalized people groups (HITMPGs).

Diversity: having people from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, education levels, abilities, ages, genders, sexual orientations, economic statuses, perspectives, and/or lived experiences.

Inclusion: being a place where everyone is treated fairly and respectfully, and are valued for their unique skills, experiences, and perspectives.

Why?

The Downers Grove Public Library’s (DGPL) mission is to welcome all to discover, grow, play, and learn. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are fundamental values of the library, and all libraries, guided by the American Library Association (ALA)’s Code of Ethics. In 2021, ALA adopted a new ninth principle on racial and social justice, which states, “We affirm the inherent dignity and rights of every person. We work to recognize and dismantle systemic and individual biases; to confront inequity and oppression; to enhance diversity and inclusion; and to advance racial and social justice in our libraries, communities, profession, and associations through awareness, advocacy, education, collaboration, services, and allocation of resources and spaces.” 

The ninth principle affirms what libraries have always done - provide materials, programs, and resources for all audiences. By incorporating EDI, the library reaffirms its dedication to providing a space for everyone, regardless of identity, religion, socioeconomic status, education level, or political belief.  Upholding intellectual freedom and our community’s freedom of speech is a cornerstone of the library’s work. 

The impact materials have in reflecting identities, whether or own or not, is significant. Dr. Rudine Sims Bishop states, “books are sometimes windows, offering views of worlds that may be real or imagined, familiar or strange. These windows are also sliding glass doors, and readers have only to walk through in imagination to become part of whatever world has been created or recreated by the author. When lighting conditions are just right, however, a window can also be a mirror. Literature transforms human experience and reflects it back to us, and in that reflection we can see our own lives and experiences as part of a larger human experience. Reading, then, becomes a means of self-affirmation, and readers often seek their mirrors in books.” Providing opportunities for our communities to engage in these stories is integral to library work. 

The library upholds its mission of welcoming all to discover, grow, play, and learn through its demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

How?

The Downers Grove Public Library developed an Equity Strategic Plan in 2022, and incorporated it into its overarching Strategic Plan in 2024. Many of the goals beneath each strategic focus are rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Additionally, the library encourages its staff to utilize a staff-created EDI Decision-Making Tool to help navigate the thought process as the library makes decisions impacting services to the public.

The way EDI presents itself throughout the library can appear in a variety of ways, such as:

  • Home delivery services are provided to homebound patrons
  • Off-site collections (known as Satellite Stacks) are available in senior living facilities through the Satellite Stacks collections
  • Weeded materials are donated to educators and care givers in the community; outreach; and the free bookshelf in the train station, Rack at the Track,
  • The robust social work program that provides assistance to anyone in need, including a free pantry as well as information, support, and assistance through direct phone calls, application help, referrals, and more
  • Free early intervention screenings are provided through partnerships with local organizations such as Clubhouse Therapy
  • Monthly storytimes are shared with an average of 600 children by regularly visiting ten childcare centers
  • The Hearing Loop in the Meeting Room helps patrons who use assistive hearing devices
  • Digital literacy classes assist community members with limited technology experience
  • Staff can communicate with patrons whose first language isn’t English by using the Instant Language Translator.
  • Laptops, hotspots, and other technology items are available to bridge the digital divide
  • The library’s building, signage, and digital presence is ADA compliant
  • The Holds Lockers checkout option is available to make the library accessible no matter when community members are available,
  • Library catalog records are created and updated to make materials easily searchable
  • Library policies are audited regularly to ensure they are equitable and responsive to community needs
  • And more!

Resources

Library staff dedicated to EDI have created resources for library professionals to utilize with their own libraries and community.

For more information, contact equityteam@dglibrary.org.