Category: Milestones in our equity and anti-racism journey

Library directors (and later managers) engaged in workshops on posturing, shared language, and conditions for anti-racism work.

An Anti-Racism Advisory Team was formed with local administrators, staff, patrons, board representation, and young adults to help shape direction and to develop an anti-racism strategic plan.

The library launched a Black Staff Affinity group where members can feel comfortable and set their own objectives.

With the internal audit report from RGW Consulting, we reviewed how racism exists in both patron and staff interactions, and considered recommended action steps.

During a global pandemic, staff created a multicultural virtual learning video series to showcase holidays and heritages. We collaborated with community members to bring “windows and mirrors” into the homes, daycares, and virtual classrooms of our youngest patrons, helping develop empathy and compassion.

Library staff who are certified circle facilitators increasingly began using circles with staff and community members. Circles as we practice them are rooted in the traditional practices of Indigenous cultures in North America, and are a way to come together to explore a subject by asking a series of questions and providing all with an … Read more

The library hired Reesheda Graham Washington & RGW Consulting to conduct an internal equity audit. She began by listening, inviting staff from historically and intentionally marginalized people groups to share their experiences working at the library.

Library leaders started meeting bimonthly with leaders from other community organizations that are also focused on making institutional changes in equity and anti-racism—including Oak Park Elementary School District 97, Oak Park and River Forest High School, River Forest Public Library, and River Forest School District 90.

Over two days, restorative justice practitioners from organizations including Heartland Alliance, Catherine Cook School, and A.L.M.A. (Arts Language Music Alliance) led workshops and spoke on panels at the Main Library, sharing strategies and creating community. Read more »

By September 2018, the Social Services and Safety team had served more than 350 vulnerable patrons. Most were Oak Park residents experiencing mental illness, homelessness, and extreme poverty. Through relationships with approximately 45 Chicagoland organizations, plus extensive experience working in Oak Park, the team (later renamed the Social Services and Public Safety Team) connects people … Read more