To our Addison community,
Racism and hate have no place in our community. We support the right to protest the horrific killing of George Floyd. We stand in solidarity with the Black community and with those who are working to end systemic racism and inequity.
Our library values inclusion, respect, and diversity of thought. No one should ever feel that they aren’t welcome, whether it’s at the Addison Public Library or other spaces within our community. To build a space that is more just and welcoming to all, we are actively learning and unlearning through trainings and discussions that center on issues of race, culture, and equity. Because we are committed to diversity, we want to make sure we are doing everything we can to speak up and celebrate diverse voices. To learn, we must listen, and we welcome ideas from the community that can help us live up to these values.
We feel it’s important to empower our patrons with educational resources to understand experiences outside their own and to inform discussions of race, justice, and privilege; as such, staff have compiled a few helpful places to start:
If you need help downloading eBooks and audiobooks, this guide may help. Otherwise, please feel free to contact us.
Finally, we know these times have brought difficult, emotional challenges into many of our lives for a variety of reasons. If you are in need of support, you are welcome to contact our Social Services Coordinator, Marcey Hernandez, at mhernandez@addisonlibrary.org or 630.458.3306. Staff are also available by phone at 630.543.3617 or via live chat on our website.
Be well, and stay safe.
Mary Medjo Me Zengue
Executive Director, Addison Public Library