Pending Library Board approval at the May 27, 2026, meeting.
Minutes Prepared By: Annie Wilkinson, Library Board Trustee
Call to Order and Roll Call
The Advocacy Committee called the meeting to order at 1:03 pm.
Present: Susanne Fairfax (Board Vice-President), Kristina Rogers (Board Trustee, Advocacy Chair), Virginia Bloom (Board President), Annie Wilkinson (Board Trustee, Advocacy Chair)
Public commentators: none
A quorum was established at this meeting.
Public Comments
There were no public comments received in writing or in person for the meeting.
Incorporation of Belonging Without Othering Framework
Background and Purpose
The Committee discussed the Belonging Without Othering framework developed by the Othering & Belonging Institute (OBI) at the University of California, Berkeley, under the leadership of John A. Powell. The framework was presented as both a naming and an expansion of the equity work Oak Park Public Library has been doing, not a replacement of prior commitments, but a broader and more responsive framework with existing tools well suited for this moment.
Oak Park Public Library’s Equity Journey
The presentation traced OPPL’s evolution from a formal Diversity, Equity & Inclusion framework (adopted 2002–2003), through the adoption of Equity & Anti-Racism as a strategic pillar in 2021, to the proposed next step of incorporating Belonging without Othering as the framework’s “roof.” The existing strategic pillars, including Equity & Anti-Racism, would remain in place as they are.
The Case for Belonging Without Othering
Discussion addressed the ways in which the Belonging framework expands upon prior approaches by addressing all axes of identity and forms of othering while providing aspirational and affirming language that is resilient and responsive to current conditions. Trustees noted the framework’s resonance with OPPL’s existing practice and values, and its utility as a lens for institutional decision-making.
Oak Park Public Library Already Practices Belonging
The Committee reviewed numerous examples of belonging already in practice at OPPL, including programming for teens, older adults, patrons with disabilities, Latine community members and allies, and homeowners; social services work with unhoused patrons; website accessibility improvements; and civic engagement and co-creation efforts, as just some examples of many. These examples are evidence that OPPL is already building belonging; formally adopting this framework provides shared language and analytical tools to name and deepen that work.
Staff & Director Discussion
Director Carman and staff members present raised questions and reflections, including how this framework would be implemented authentically across a public institution; how to support staff in understanding what it means in practice; and what this means for the library’s existing commitments and personnel. Director Carman noted that staff had already received advance communication about the exploration of this framework and the open process underway.
The Proposal
The Committee discussed a four-part proposal for moving forward:
- Adopt Belonging Without Othering as the roof of the Strategic Plan and Logic Model, with existing pillars, including Equity & Anti-Racism, remaining in place;
- Initiate co-learning for board, staff, and community on the framework using OBI’s freely available resources, structured in tiers by time commitment;
- Form a committee or process to explore integration and implementation across OPPL’s work; and
- Commit to regular reevaluation.
Next Steps
The Committee discussed the importance of transparency and broad engagement. The following action items were identified:
- The Advocacy Committee will bring a summary memo and meeting minutes to the full Board at the May Board meeting.
- The strategic planning language change will be raised at the upcoming special Board meeting focused on strategic planning, providing additional time for staff and community input.
- Trustee Wilkinson will circulate the slide deck to Board members; Director Carman will circulate the slide deck to staff.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 3:06 pm.