This is an extraordinary moment in our history. In the midst of grappling with a public health crisis, we have the tragic killing of George Floyd to remind us of other senseless and unacceptable social injustices that challenge us to act and think differently. While we know that racism has no place in our society, we also know that systemic racism still exists.
At Bibliotheca, we draw strength from diversity and strive to build an inclusive culture. Still, we must do more. True inclusion requires not just accepting, but actively seeking out people with different voices, perspectives, and backgrounds and then listening to them, connecting with them, and inviting them into our lives. It means treating everyone with equivalent consideration – the same consideration that we all want for ourselves.
Borrowing the words of Martin Luther King:
“I think America must see that riots do not develop out of thin air. Certain conditions continue to exist in our society which must be condemned as vigorously as we condemn riots. But in the final analysis, a riot is the language of the unheard…As long as America postpones justice, we stand in the position of having these recurrences of violence and riots over and over again. Social justice and progress are the absolute guarantors of riot prevention.”
All of us at Bibliotheca stand in solidarity with all people of goodwill in helping America continue to pursue that noble aspiration of being a more perfect union through collective action and unified purpose. Our hearts go out to the families impacted by unacceptable abuse of power and authority.
You may also like
Insights + Trends
Groundbreaking access: open+ in Manawatū Community Hub Libraries, New Zealand
Extended library access that is highly-used and applauded by the community.
Self-service by the sea: selfCheck 500 in Kaipara District Libraries, New Zealand
Refresh a branch using modern library self-service technology, utilise selfCheck 500 to help the tiny library team streamline workflow
Access abounds in Australia:
Blue Mountains Library
Discover how Blue Mountains Library in Australia transformed its services with RFID technology, connecting remote communities and enhancing access to essential resources during disasters.
