Lexington Public Library: A Place for Everyone
Lexington Public Library, Ky.
Innovation Synopsis
Lexington Public Library's A Place for Everyone was our library's response to an unfortunately common scenario in today's America. When our community was focused on a divisive and dangerous issue, the library presented a positive message appropriate for our role as one of the most trusted institutions in our society.
Challenge/Opportunity
In 2017 the city of Lexington faced a challenge that echoed those unfolding across our nation. Days after violent protests at a white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Va., the Lexington-Fayette Urban City Council voted to move two confederate statues from the grounds of the city's former courthouse in the heart of downtown. The library, which stands one block from the site, braced for promised white supremacists protests from the same groups that rallied in Charlottesville.
Key Elements of Innovation
In the midst of this national conversation about racism in our society, Lexington Public Library had, along with many others, signed ULC's Statement on Race and Social Equity. Library leadership discussed how to communicate the library's stance on matters of race and social equity with our city leaders, community and nation at large. We created and promoted a video that highlighted our library as a place where everyone is welcome.
Achieved Outcomes
A Place for Everyone was shared by the library and stakeholders on social media. It featured diverse faces in our community and diversity of purpose in how people use our public library. It was centered on the principle that the library is a welcoming place that belongs to everyone in our community.