Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Latah County Library District
Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Libraries are trusted, venerable and enduring institutions, central to their communities and an essential participant in the movement for racial, social and cultural equity. Diversity and inclusion go beyond simple tolerance to embrace and celebrate our entire community by developing practices that recognize and respect all people and their points of view. LCLD recognizes and actively affirms the dignity of those it serves, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, race, income, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical or mental capabilities.

At LCLD, we honor our employees’ diversity, and the diversity in the community we serve, by:

• Welcoming and including all
• Fostering an atmosphere of dignity and respect
• Encouraging the exploration of new ideas and perspectives in a safe and positive environment
• Working with diverse communities to determine appropriate ways to design, deliver, and evaluate services.

LCLD understands that an acceptance of differences can place individual and collective values in conflict. Nevertheless, LCLD is committed to fostering an environment of understanding, respect and social responsibility. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful organizational culture that appreciates and supports individual differences. LCLD makes diversity and inclusion a priority in planning and decision-making for staffing, collections, services and organizational change.

Approved by the Board of Trustees November 17, 2020