Dear community members,
Heights Libraries grieves with you over the brutal, senseless deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and too many other Black Americans. We recognize that as a public institution, it is not enough to passively mourn these losses. We must be actively anti-racist and stand up to the anti-Black racism so pervasive in our society.
We want to take this moment to recommit ourselves to service for all. In 2019, our board rewrote our Vision Statement, and it includes the following:
“Ensure that our libraries remain free and accessible. Champion digital and print literacy, intellectual freedom, and privacy. Respond to the needs and wants of our customers by leading with a culture of acceptance, equity, inclusion, and respect for all.”
Do you need information about current events? Do you need resources to help you explain to your children what is happening right now? We can help with those things and more.
Please join our 1619 Project discussion, currently online due to the pandemic. The 1619 Project is an initiative by The New York Times that re-examines the history, and lasting influence, of American slavery on our society. You can find the link here. You can also join the 1619 Facebook group to discuss these and related issues.
And you can download a reading list for adults, teens, and children of books and authors that address race and racism. Look for it on the 1619 Project page, in the Materials menu.
Our buildings maybe closed due to the pandemic, but we are still here for you. Please call us at (216) 932-3600, or reach out to us through our website with your questions and concerns:
Please stay safe, and let us know how we can help.
-Heights Libraries Board of Trustees and Heights Libraries Staff
