The events of the last several evenings here in Charlotte and around the country, and the national tragedies that preceded them weigh heavily on our community. The killings of Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd and others before them are anathema to the mission and values of public libraries and to our institution. Systemic racism and inequity have no place in public libraries other than as recorded history to remind us how we got to this terrible moment in time. We condemn the needless killing of innocent people, the deathly quiet of indifference, systemic racism, inequity and social injustice.
21st century libraries stand up for equity, access, inclusion, diversity and democracy. We believe in providing equal access to the resources required to help anyone and everyone ascend to the best version of themselves. We are dedicated to freedom of expression in all its forms, whether printed in a book, spoken in library venues, or chanted by friends, family or community members in the streets outside our libraries.
At Charlotte Mecklenburg Library we improve lives and build a stronger community, and we aspire to be the essential connector of a thriving community. Everyone is welcome in our libraries.
The greatest gift that we and other organizations and leaders can give to our community’s future generations is to end systemic racism. The Library stands ready to partner with other like-minded organizations and leaders to do this hard work.
Rob Harrington
Chair, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Board of Trustees
Lee Keesler
CEO, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
