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Our Board of Trustees passed the following resolution this Wednesday reaffirming the library’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:

WHEREAS, On June 2, 2020 the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine stated, “There is racism in Ohio. There is inequality in Ohio. There are both economic and health disparities in Ohio. I am seeking dialogue to solve these problems. We should all be outraged that in the year 2020 in Ohio and across our Nation, there is still inequality of opportunity and racism.”

WHEREAS, Public libraries are a trusted and welcoming place and have a rich history steeped in traditions of combating censorship, reflecting the values of our communities, and striving toward ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion; and

WHEREAS, Public libraries provide equitable access to information for all people, regardless of race or socioeconomic status; and

WHEREAS, Public libraries have a rich history of protecting the first amendment and providing resources, free of charge, for those who wish to better understand how we got to where we are today and resources to learn and grow for the future;

WHEREAS, The Mentor Public Library in its strategic plan states, “We believe in diversity and inclusion and foster a global environment that is welcoming for all; and

WHEREAS, The Mentor Public Library has created strong partnerships and collaborations with numerous community organizations representing diverse individuals and groups; and

WHEREAS, The Mentor Public Library provides lifelong learning programming for all ages to enrich and enhance our understanding of multiculturalism;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Mentor Public Library reaffirms our commitment as an institution which values not merely freedom of speech but a commitment to the truth, democracy, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Adopted this ­­­­17th day of June, 2020.