Lesley Williams Resigns From Evanston Public Library

EVANSTON, IL — Embattled librarian Lesley Williams has resigned from the Evanston Public Library. In a letter announcing her departure after 20 years, Williams said she will continue working with members of the community who push for "full racial equity in library services, collections, hiring, and locations."

Williams faced termination after her second suspension of 2017 following a social media post she made almost immediately upon returning from her prior suspension. Documents show members of the Evanston Public Library board have sought her ouster for years.

Williams said by removing any controversy regarding her own employment from the larger debate over the library's policies and practices, she hoped Evanston would be able to "focus on the injustice of a publicly funded government institution which continues to resist confronting the inequitable service it provides to lower income, African American and Latinx residents." She also listed some of the accomplishments of which she is most proud and thanked colleagues and collaborating groups.

Read Williams' full letter of resignation below:

After lengthy discussions with the City of Evanston, I have decided to resign from my position as Head of Adult Services at the Evanston Public Library. The current hostile atmosphere and mistrust would make it impossible for me to continue to be effective.

I take this step with deep regret and sorrow. I have treasured my 20 years at EPL, and the many friendships and collegial relationships formed there.

I am proud of my achievements: creating the Community Engagement and Latino Outreach positions, the 11 Months of African American History program series, the Mission Impossible reading series, the Muslim Journeys series, the Latino 500 series, and the African American Literature discussion group. None of these would have been possible without the creativity and support of many beloved colleagues.

I am grateful and appreciative for partnerships with many Evanston organizations: Piven Theatre, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, The Block Gallery, Muse of Fire, Etc Music School, The Frances Willard House and Museum, Northwestern's Alice Kaplan Institute for the Humanities, SOUL Creations, the Evanston Literary Festival, the Bienen School of Music, Dance Center Evanston, Bookends and Beginnings, St James Armenian Church, Neighbors for Peace, Comix Revolution, Lake Street Church, Open Communities, Evanston Art Center, Evanston Republican Club, League of Women Voters, Evanston History Museum, Evanston NorthShore YWCA, Northwestern University Archives, Shorefront Legacy Center, Second Baptist Church, Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation, and the Office of State Representative Robyn Gabel. I have also been fortunate to work with outstanding cultural organizations from the wider Chicago area: Goodman Theatre, Chicago Folks Operetta, Northlight Theatre, Lyric Opera Society, and Silk Road Rising. Thank you all for your multi-faceted contributions to the cultural life of Evanston through your work with the library.

Although I will no longer be employed by the Evanston Public Library, as an Evanston resident and an advocate for social justice and intellectual freedom, I will continue to work with community members determined to push for full racial equity in library services, collections, hiring, and locations. These are critical concerns which go far beyond a mere "personnel dispute". I hope that by removing my individual status from the debate, Evanston will be able to focus on the injustice of a publicly funded government institution which continues to resist confronting the inequitable service it provides to lower income, African American and Latinx residents.

To all the friends, library patrons and organizations that have written, called, Facebooked and tweeted their support: you have my undying gratitude. Let us continue to work for justice, equity and intellectual freedom in our beloved community.

Sincerely,

Lesley Williams

Related:

• Evanston librarian Lesley Williams says "intense and vindictive" action is being taken against her.
• Library board wanted Lesley Williams gone for her "adversarial and incorrigible attitude," confidential performance review comments show.
• Library director seeks to terminate Lesley Williams over a social media post about equity policies.

Top photo: Lesley Williams at St. Nicholas Church in Evanston, Feb. 12, 2017 | via Jonah Meadows