We believe Calvert Library and all other public libraries are the crucibles of democracy, the means for everyone’s pursuit of happiness and prosperity, and our guarantors of freedom and opportunity. Public libraries welcome all races, colors, religions, genders, sexual orientations, national origins, languages, and abilities. All are welcome here and entitled to respect and civility. All are invited to learn for themselves what is true and what is good. Honest discourse is welcome here. Each person is entitled to be treated without discrimination — and will be here.

As an agent of change, Calvert Library acknowledges systemic racism, discrimination, and oppression and pledges to actively engage in ongoing equity, diversity and inclusion work within our organization. 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. Our 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 community 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.

Approved by the Board of Library Trustees, June 2021.