Library manager outlines inclusivity goals tied to ALA principles

Gwen, the library’s manager, presented the library’s inclusivity work and plans, telling the Los Alamos County Library Board that the library follows the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and the ALA Freedom to Read statement as guiding principles.

"So, basically, everyone is welcome at the library. We serve all community members and try to make every person feel seen, valued," Gwen said, summarizing the library’s approach. She described inclusion as both welcoming patrons and adjusting services to achieve equity: "Equity means meeting people where they are. Not everyone needs the same thing, and we adjust our services to ensure fairness across the board."

Gwen listed specific collection and program practices: active efforts to include materials representing a broad range of perspectives and lived experiences, pursuit of materials from self-published and local producers, multiple formats (including large-print and low-vision resources), and content in major languages used in the community. She said the library's collection development guidelines direct staff to seek a balanced examination of controversial issues.

On spaces and operations, Gwen said the library has worked to make its computer stations accessible, installed outdoor lockers, locates sensitive materials in private areas, and is planning an accessible-signage audit and a sound study to mitigate noise. "We are working on an accessible signage audit to improve our signage throughout the library. We are also working on a sound study to mitigate some of the noise issues," she said.

Programming efforts aim to broaden formats and audiences: the library has added panels, workshops, group activities and identified seniors, teens and "young professionals" as underserved groups to target. The library also plans a community needs assessment this year; Gwen said the board can help collect feedback and that staff will present details at the December meeting.

Gwen described service-level additions such as a growing "library of things" (items including thermal cameras, telescopes, a shredder and yoga kits), Narcan and hygiene supplies at service desks, expanded language support in printed materials and registration, and staff training on social-service referrals.

She framed hiring and retention steps as part of inclusivity: reorganizing hours to create more three-quarter and full-time positions and standardizing interviews and internal promotion paths. The board asked whether hiring itself falls under county human resources; Gwen said recruitment is handled by the county HR department while the library can adjust internal hiring practices and advertising.

Gwen closed by inviting board support for outreach and the upcoming needs assessment. She said the presentation had been shared previously with the county’s Inclusivity Task Force and was adapted for the library board.