The Halton Hills Public Library is committed to fostering an environment of understanding and respect. The Halton Hills Public Library Board endorses the Statement on Diversity and Inclusion as set out by the Canadian Library Association*, and the Canadian Urban Libraries Council – Statement on Race & Social Equity**.
Libraries strive to deliver inclusive service. The Halton Hills Public Library recognizes and affirms the dignity of those they serve, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, income, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical, or mental abilities.
The Halton Hills Public Library makes diversity and inclusion priorities in planning and decision making for staffing, collections, and services.
The Halton Hills Public Library acts to ensure that people can enjoy services free from attempts by others to impose values, customs or beliefs.
Approved: February 14, 2018
Revised/Approved: March 10, 2021
*Canadian Library Association Position Statement on Diversity and Inclusion
Approved by Executive Council – May 25, 2008
The Canadian Library Association believes that a diverse and pluralistic society is central to our country’s identity. Libraries have a responsibility to contribute to a culture that recognizes diversity and fosters social inclusion.
Libraries strive to deliver inclusive service. Canada’s libraries recognize and energetically affirm the dignity of those they serve, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental capabilities, or income.
Libraries understand that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. Libraries are committed to tolerance and understanding. Libraries act to ensure that people can enjoy services free from any attempt by others to impose values, customs or beliefs.
**Canadian Urban Libraries Council – Statement on Race & Social Equity
October 3, 2017
As leaders of North America’s public libraries, 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 libraries can help achieve true and sustained equity through an intentional, systemic and transformative library-community partnership. Our library systems are 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.
Originally endorsed by the Urban Libraries Council.