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Statement of Inclusivity

May 1, 2017 — Public libraries have long been known as one of the truly democratic institutions. Public libraries champion First Amendment rights and promote free access to information for all. Public libraries offer services and educational resources that promote inclusion and diversity to all in the community. In light of the uncertainty many feel in our current society, we reaffirm: Sonoma County Library values diversity, empowerment, community, unity, kindness, connection, and equity. Sonoma County Library provides service to all races, all genders, all sexual orientations, all religions, all abilities, all ages, all national or ethnic origins, all languages, all citizenship statuses, all economic statuses, all political affiliations, all people. Sonoma County Library is an inclusive community hub where people intersect and thrive.

LIBRARIES ARE FOR EVERYONE.

On June 4, 2018, the Sonoma County Library Commission adopted a Resolution in Support of Undocumented Residents/Immigrants/Dreamers; see full text below.

On February 7, 2022, the Sonoma County Library Commission voted unanimously to adopt the below Resolution of a Public Statement on Racism and Social Equity. This statement includes the library’s above Statement of Inclusivity, which the commission voted to adopt on May 1, 2017, as a reaffirmation of core library values.

Resolution of a Public Statement on Racism and Social Equity

February 7, 2022 — In light of recent events—including the burning of a Black Lives Matter banner at our Sebastopol branch, a previous theft of a similar banner, and the spray-painting of the hateful and abhorrent n-word near the entrance to our Sonoma Valley branch—the Sonoma County Library wants to reiterate its values: we condemn these crimes; we condemn any attempt to silence or intimidate free expression; we will not tolerate racist or hateful behavior at any of our facilities; and we are committed to being an antiracist organization.

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WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Library stands with Black Lives Matter and our community in calling for peaceful, yet powerful action to turn the tide of systemic racism and begin the transition to a just and sustainable society; and

WHEREAS, the library states to those in our community who have been hurt by racism, bigotry, prejudice, misunderstanding and hate: we see you, we hear you, we stand with you, and, as we look outward to help our communities heal, we pledge to continue looking inward, and to face unflinchingly the truths in our own system; and

WHEREAS, it is not enough to eschew racism, we must all be anti-racists; and

WHEREAS, to achieve the change we wish to see, we must take accountability for the ways we have hurt our community by maintaining the status quo and we must commit to providing racially equitable service by eliminating practices and procedures that contribute to systemic racism; and

WHEREAS, the Sonoma County Library represents the communities we serve, and we must continue working towards the creation of the equitable and inclusive library we envisioned in our 2017 Statement of Inclusivity, which reads as follows;

Public libraries have long been known as one of the truly democratic institutions. Public libraries champion First Amendment rights and promote free access to information for all. Public libraries offer services and educational resources that promote inclusion and diversity to all in the community. In light of the uncertainty many feel in our current society, we reaffirm: Sonoma County Library values diversity, empowerment, community, unity, kindness, connection, and equity. Sonoma County Library provides service to all races, all genders, all sexual orientations, all religions, all abilities, all ages, all national or ethnic origins, all languages, all citizenship statuses, all economic statuses, all political affiliations, all people. Sonoma County Library is an inclusive community hub where people intersect and thrive.

LIBRARIES ARE FOR EVERYONE.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SONOMA COUNTY LIBRARY COMMISSION: That the commission hereby expresses its support for the statements and values in this resolution.

Deborah Doyle, Chair February 7, 2022
Ann Hammond, Director February 7, 2022

Resolution In Support of Undocumented Residents/Immigrants/Dreamers

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Sonoma County Library:

  1. Reaffirms its own “Statement of Inclusivity” in light of the uncertainty many feel in our current society;
  2. Commits to enacting policies and programs recognizing the diversity of our community and furthering the inclusion of all residents living in Sonoma County;
  3. Supports DACA Dreamers and our immigrant community, providing services to all county residents regardless of residency status;
  4. Provides the resources to information on legal assistance/guidance extended by the County and other agencies within the County and State to undocumented students, immigrants, and their families;
  1. Continues Sonoma County Library policy of protecting the privacy of our patrons/customers by refusing to release any information regarding personal living situation, collections usage, or other information that might indicate the legal status regarding the documentation of students, families, and/or individuals, including allowing access to Library databases, permitting a search of any library branch or rural station, or responding to information requests by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement or others, unless the appropriate legal request and documents are presented;
  2. Urges Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform to resolve the confounding issues around immigration; and
  3. Encourages all residents to use the library regardless of documented status.