We Stand With Our Charles County and Library Communities Against Racism

Racism, discrimination, xenophobia and acts of violence against the Black and Asian communities and others have no place in our world and will not be tolerated. We stand with you in condemning hate and violence in all forms, and are committed to ensuring the Charles County Public Library continues to foster an environment of inclusivity, respect and acceptance for all.

CCPL plays a crucial role in supporting and enriching our diverse community through library materials, services, programs, and employment. The Library aspires to reflect the traditions and values of Charles County through our relationship with our community by creating an environment that is inclusive to all.

Every action we take is purposeful and mindful of our commitment to diversity. This is achieved through training, activities, services, and the recruitment and retention of qualified library staff. We ensure a welcoming environment, regardless of age, class, gender, ethnicity, mental/physical ability, race, religion, socio-economic status, national origin or sexual orientation.

The Library promotes true inclusion which calls for the full representation, participation, value and empowerment of all staff, volunteers, patrons and community members. We affirm our support of ALA’s Library Bill of Rights and guard against all forms of discrimination that impeded the access to information.

Charles County Public Library strives to fulfill every customer need as the trusted source for connecting everyone to endless possibilities. The Library creates opportunities for the community to engage, discover and learn by removing barriers to our facilities, collections, programs and services. By upholding our commitment to diversity we enable our community to expand their horizons in an atmosphere that welcomes the contributions of all.

The American Library Association (ALA)

The American Library Association unequivocally condemns racism and endorses recent statements by the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (March 2021 – Anti-Violence Statement; March 2020 – COVID-19 Response) and the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (PDF). ALA provides resources for libraries and communities to advance social equity in their communities.

CCPL stands with ALA in condemning all racism and hatred. For more information and resources from ALA to advance social equity in your community, visit the ALA Libraries Transform information page.