Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging

Organizational Equity Commitment Statement

As great democratic institutions, public libraries serve all people with a full range of educational resources needed to live, learn, work, govern, and thrive. As a public library that strives for excellence, we at Howard County Library System pride ourselves on building community, supporting cultural exchange and elevating public discourse. ​

We recognize the ongoing need to be aware of and responsive to the diversity of those we serve, to ensure resources and essential services are provided to all. Therefore, we commit to: ​

• Establish equitable inclusion in all aspects of our work – with our employees, customers, vendors, and communities.
• Foster an environment where diversity, equity, inclusion, and access are explicitly recognized as fundamental to our mission.
• Eliminate discrimination in all forms, at all organizational levels, throughout all programs, and at every touch point.
• Adopt anti-racist/anti-oppression policies and practices to reverse impacts of historic systemic injustices.​

We fulfill these commitments through continual assessment, improvement, and accountability. We are mindful of the impact of our language, policies, procedures, practices, and programs. We work to create equitable access within an inclusive environment where all employees and customers feel welcomed, understood, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.​

Equity Committee

The Equity Committee is internal to HCLS and supports the advancement of our equity practices. Through analysis and collaborative engagement, the committee identifies areas where disparities exist and writes our annual Equity Action Plan to address them. Its overarching goal is to drive meaningful change, enhance inclusivity, and contribute to the organization’s broader equity objectives. By promoting transparency, fostering open dialogue, and ensuring representation from across HCLS, the committee works to ensure our Organizational Equity Commitment Statement is a true guiding document and not simply words.