The past 16 months have been a busy time for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (FDI) team of staff members at the Aurora Public Library District (APLD). Formed in Fall 2020, the group began outlining a plan for the year ahead. How does the Library embed equity, diversity, and inclusion into every facet of our organization? Luckily the goals laid out in the Strategic Plan give strong direction and set up a framework that covers each aspect of the Library’s operations. These goals are not linear, nor chronological, and never will be 100% accomplished because there is always more that can be done to support Aurora’s diverse community and better serve our entire community.
The first listed goal focuses on establishing a more inclusive and equitable working environment. To achieve it, we reviewed our recruitment and hiring practices. We assessed job requirements, descriptions, and pay equity, and we began translating job postings. During interviews with potential hires, a member of the EDI team is included in the process to provide an EDI lens. Communications manager Miriam Meza-Gotto is one of those team members. For current staff members, we’ve created an affinity group for staff who identify as black, indigenous, or person of color as a safe space to share experiences and all staff members are given opportunities to provide EDI feedback during quarterly reviews. This work ensures that because staff members are hired, they see right away that EDI is one of our top priorities.
The first goal focuses on the diversity of the staff members and the second goal calls attention to the diverse needs of the community and how the Library can be responsive and accountable. We are reaching out to community members for feedback through community conversations and surveys. This work has been most helpful in opening conversations about the role the Library plays in the community. Because of these conversations, substantial changes have been made to numerous policies and procedures to make them more equitable and inclusive. The library no longer charges late fees for past due materials and Library cards have no expiration date. These new ‘forever cards’ allow the freedom of Library use as long as you live in Aurora! You can use your Library card to reserve items at any Library location or online via any of our E-library sources. Don’t have internet at home to access Hoopla or Freegal? All our Library locations now have wireless internet available from the parking lot available 24/7! In addition, all library staff members and Board members have received EDI training to ensure that these ideals make it into every facet of the organization.
The last goal of the Advancing Through Equity pillar is the Library will ensure our services and resources represent a diversity of cultures and perspectives. We are working towards this by conducting audits on the programs we offer and the collections we house. Being intentional with what we offer, where we purchase our materials, and expand services to make them more accessible to all is what this is all about. We know too that representation matters in our visual media and promotional materials: we’re working toward reflecting our community in everything we do.
The work for the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team never will be complete, because we can always do better. Working towards the goals listed in the Library’s strategic plan has meant monumental change for the community of Aurora and the Aurora Public Library District. We look forward to continuing to create a welcoming and inviting space for all of the residents in Aurora.
Andrea Tiberi is the communications coordinator for the Aurora Public Library District.