Dear SCRLC Community,

This edition of the News comes to you at an unprecedented time for our nation. We are experiencing a pandemic that has claimed over 108,700 lives in the United States and over 393,000 people worldwide. Many folks have been left isolated, grieving, and struggling economically. 

In this time of turmoil, grief, and uncertainty, there has been yet another vicious and disturbing death of a black person - the appalling and unconscionable murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police Department officers. Our hearts, prayers, and sympathies are with the families of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and the many, many others who have been killed as a result of racism and police brutality in this country.

SCRLC endorses the Black Caucus of the American Library Association's statement Condemning Increased Violence and Racism Towards Black Americans and People of Color We stand with black, indigenous, and people of color fighting oppression and all library and community organizations and people who have condemned these brutal, abhorrent actions and injustices.

Black lives matter and the structural racism, violence, and oppression perpetrated against people of color in the Americas for hundreds of years must be acknowledged and understood, and it must stop. Libraries can contribute by building communities and bringing people together; we can support those without a voice by providing them with resources, education, Internet access, and skills. This week's News includes some actions that can be taken right now, and we recommit to the continuing work of dismantling systems of oppression and creating a more just, equitable and kind world for all of us.

Knowledge, equity, and access to information are core library values and an important part of this work. Many of you have participated in learning opportunities organized and supported by SCRLC staff, Board members, and Advisory Committee members. We will continue to offer inclusive and anti-racist programming and encourage you to help us identify resources that help address these important topics. Please let us know if there are specific programs that would help you navigate these uncertain and worrisome times.

SCRLC calls on its members to redouble their efforts to confront the legacies of inequality and violence. We must provide leadership to address inequality in our own organizations as well as our communities and encourage people to come together to help overcome local and national division. 

We also encourage everyone to take care of themselves and their loved ones and extend empathy and kindness to each other--and to ourselves--at this very challenging time. 

Yours in partnership,

The SCRLC Board, Staff &

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Committee

SCRLC's Diversity Statement

SCRLC's DEIJ LibGuide.