Anti-Racism & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Lake Oswego Public Library is committed to building a culture and space that is accessible and welcoming to all, and where all people, of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, have equitable opportunities to thrive.

Lake Oswego Public Library takes an active role in advancing racial and social equity through the design and delivery of diverse collections, programs, and resources for all ages.  The library recognizes that we have ongoing work to do to dismantle systemic barriers that are perpetuated by the status quo.  We are using a variety of equity tools to assess and address gaps in our services in order to eliminate barriers, widen access, and honor diverse voices.   

Lake Oswego Public Library stands with other public libraries in adopting and supporting the Statement on Race and Social Equity of the Urban Libraries Council, which includes:

• 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

We encourage the community to let us know how we can improve access and services, to make sure the library is truly a place for everyone. 

The City of Lake Oswego aspires to be an organization where every person feels safe, welcomed, supported, and included. Over the past few years, the City has taken a number of actions to break down barriers that, historically, have made it harder for some people in our community to succeed. Read more about our goals and initiatives, along with statements from City leaders.

Glossary of Terms

Anti-Racism: The policy or practice of opposing racism and promoting racial equity. 

Belonging:  Belonging means that everyone is treated and feels like a full member of the larger community, and can thrive. (Source:  Harvard University’s Glossary of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DIB) Terms) 

Diversity: Diversity can be defined as the sum of the ways that people are both alike and different. Visible diversity is generally those attributes or characteristics that are external. However, diversity goes beyond the external to internal characteristics that we choose to define as ‘invisible’ diversity. Invisible diversity includes those characteristics and attributes that are not readily seen. When we recognize, value, and embrace diversity, we are recognizing, valuing, and embracing the uniqueness of each individual. (Adapted from National Education Association, adopted by the American Library Association)

Equity: Equity is not the same as formal equality. Formal equality implies sameness. Equity, on the other hand, assumes difference and takes difference into account to ensure a fair process and, ultimately, a fair (or equitable) outcome. Equity recognizes that some groups were (and are) disadvantaged in accessing educational and employment opportunities and are, therefore, underrepresented or marginalized in many organizations and institutions. The effects of that exclusion often linger systemically within organizational policies, practices, and procedures. Equity, therefore, means increasing diversity by ameliorating conditions of disadvantaged groups. (Adapted from National Association of Social Workers, adopted by the American Library Association)

Inclusion: Inclusion means an environment in which all individuals are treated fairly and respectfully; are valued for their distinctive skills, experiences, and perspectives; have equal access to resources and opportunities; and can contribute fully to the organization’s success. (Adapted from Society for Human Resources Management, Hewlett Packard, and Ferris State University, adopted by the American Library Association)