‘We support them.’ Lexington Public Library issues statement on protests, racial justice
The Lexington Public Library has issued a statement on the ongoing protests and unrest surrounding the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.
“The Library is deeply committed to racial equality and freedom of expression and condemns all acts of violence and any disregard for human rights,” the statement reads. “We stand with those calling for immediate, collective action to end the systemic racism and inequity entrenched in our communities because Black Lives Matter.”
According to the statement, the library started a Diversity and Inclusion plan last fall, which will help the library “study and improve” its practices when it comes to solving “racial disparities.”
Heather Dieffenbach, executive director of the library, said the statement was issued because she wants everyone to know the library is open to everyone.
“I thought it was important for our community, especially our black community to know that we support them,” Dieffenbach said. “Libraries might not get everything right and get everything perfect, but that’s definitely our goal — to make sure that everyone is included, and that everyone feels welcome.”
Dieffenbach said the downtown library has not had any issues related to the recent protests in the center of Lexington. “The protesters have marched past it every day and everyone has been very respectful,” Dieffenbach said.
According to the statement, the library has joined 160 other public library systems across North America to “end structural racism” by following the Urban Library Council’s Statement on Race and Social Equity.
“We use this statement as a baseline for building policies, activities and collaborative relationships to advance equity and inclusion for our local community,” LPL’s statement says. “The fact that Black Americans are disproportionately affected by police violence and the global pandemic has brought to the forefront, once again, the centuries-old inequities and biases that run through the core of our nation.”