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By Veronica Beltran

Anti-rasicm

Anti-racism a priority moving forward, says PGPL Board

Oct 14, 2020 | 5:00 AM

PRINCE GEORGE–The Prince George Public Library’s Board says they have committed to a number of actions to further anti-racism work within the organization.

The commitment comes in response to recent and ongoing events of violence and injustice committed against Black, Indigenous and people of colour (POC), in Canada and across North America.

“For me, the library represents that one place on earth where there is no expectation, but to learn, explore, be inspired or just be. I want to ensure that all people are represented within our library’s walls and that their stories live here, too.”–Arlene Stevens, Board Trustee, PGPL

Some of the actions taken by the board will include: ensuring that all events hosted on library property and all official library communications include an acknowledgement that the library conducts its work on the ancestral lands of the Lheidli T’enneh people; reviewing and updating library spaces and procedures to ensure that Black, Indigenous, and people of colour are treated with dignity and respect and that they feel safe and welcome at the library; developing a Diversity Policy that supports the recruitment and development of Black, Indigenous, and people of colour at all levels of the organization and Board of Trustees; consulting with the public and organizations that advocate for and serve Black, Indigenous, and POC; and creating programs and events that are specifically designed to reach Black, Indigenous, and POC.

“We know that this is a time for listening to Black, Indigenous, and people of colour. We also acknowledge that we have a professional and ethical responsibility to ensure that library collections, programs, services, resources, and staff are employed in service of the goal of dismantling racism.”–Paul Burry, Library Director

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The Library Board has begun work on a new Diversity Policy for the Prince George Public Library, which will be followed by library staff conducting consultations with the community to learn more about how the library can better serve Black, Indigenous and POC. A release by the PGPL says that anti-racism will be featured prominently in the development of their 2021-2026 Strategic Plan.

Community members are able to provide feedback on the actions by submitting comments on the Library’s website.