Demonstrators Call For Equity Audit Of Evanston Public Library

EVANSTON, IL — About 20 Evanston residents gathered outside the Evanston Public Library at an event last week timed to coincide with a library fundraiser to demand an equity audit. Organizers of the rally Thursday night called on the library's donors and board to consider how they could do a better job of reaching communities in need of library services rather than discouraging donations.

Evanston resident Tania Richard and her 6- and 9-year-old daughters attended the rally with signs that read “Actors have equity: Why don’t libraries?” and “The Grinch who stole equity.” Richard, co-host of the Race Bait podcast, said she came to the rally to advocate that library resources be distributed equally among all people and to make sure "the resources are plentiful for people of color in the library."

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The call for a comprehensive equity audit of EPL polices, collections and services is not new, but the protest was sparked by the recent 15 day suspension of library head of adult services Lesley Williams, organizers said. Williams, a 21-year employee of the library who has been an longtime advocate for making the library's provide more equitable service to Evanston.

Library board member Shawn Iles spoke to those in attendance. He said he was unable to comment on personnel matters but emphasized the library’s commitment to equity and its awareness of the concerns of Evanstonians.

“We’re more than happy to have a public discussion about equity,” said, Iles, co-treasurer of the board. “The debate that we need to have is whether we want to hire our own equity consultant … or whether we can work through the city." He said he hopes to begin the discussion of equity at the next meeting of EPL's board of trustees, which is scheduled for May 17.

» Read more: Evanston Librarian Suspended 15 Days After Board Backs Director

Top Photo | Demonstrators call for an equity audit of the Evanston Public Library Thursday, April 4 | Courtesy of Shorefront