Austin Public Library (APL) acknowledges the United States, the State of Texas, and Austin’s long history of systemic racism and racial inequity that continues to this day, from the City of Austin’s Historic “1928 City Plan” as well as historical barriers to accessing library resources. Moving forward, APL aims to use an anti-racist and transformative approach to building a culture of equity and uplifting diversity. APL invites all voices to co-create impactful policies, practices, programs, and services that embodies “Library for All” rooted in humanity.

Equity: the intentional distribution of resources and tools for everyone to have the opportunity to succeed, especially for individuals and/or groups that have been historically underserved and underrepresented.

Diversity: Diversity is Quantity of diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and cultures.

Inclusion: Inclusion is Quality of participation across backgrounds, experiences, identities, and cultures.

The Austin Public Library integrates equity, diversity, and inclusion in the Library’s Six Priorities. This APL Equity Statement is a living document that will continue to evolve in our ever-changing world.