In this difficult time, the Suffolk County Library (SCLA) stands firmly with the Black community, as well as the American Library Association (ALA) and countless other professional library associations, in denouncing the senseless loss of Mr. George Floyd and all forms of racism, discrimination, and oppression.

Our commitment to intellectual freedom and charge of providing full access to knowledge to all members of our communities regardless of race, color, religion, age, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation is sacrosanct. But there is still much work to be done in the way of forging an all-inclusive society that is not only just non-racist, but staunchly anti-racist.

We must provide the tools for library staff to advocate to the best of our abilities. We must affect change and foster environments where all members of our communities feel accepted, safe, and welcomed. As public service information professionals, we have an ongoing responsibility to educate ourselves on how to better understand, represent, and ally ourselves with our diverse colleagues and communities, for that diversity is amongst our greatest strengths. The members of SCLA stand in solidarity, committed to doing our part to make this possible.

Signed,   The Suffolk County Library Association Executive Board