A Statement from the Barrington Area Library: On Building An Engaged and Inclusive Community.
The recent killing of George Floyd, among other killings and systemic injustices experienced by black Americans and people of color, has horrified and disturbed communities across our country – including our own. In the wake of this tragedy, people across the country and in our community are speaking out, assembling, and sending the message that racism and hate are unacceptable in our institutions and communities.
As a First Amendment institution, the Barrington Area Library stands with those who choose to exercise their Constitutionally-guaranteed right to free speech. Freedom of speech includes the right to read, view, listen to, create, and access information free from censorship and this right underpins our work as library professionals. The First Amendment also guarantees the right to assemble peaceably and petition the government for a redress of grievances. It is a necessary civic duty to exercise these rights and the Barrington Area Library is here to support all residents in that endeavor.
As an institution dedicated to serving all members of our community, the Barrington Area Library also stands with those working to end systemic racism, inequality, and other barriers that limit opportunity and potential within our community.
As part of our mission to preserve the history of the Barrington area, the Library is collecting your photos and stories about life during these challenging times. If you’d like to share your photos and experiences, we’re sure future generations would like to know that Barrington stood united.
Stories and photos can be emailed to Adult Services Librarian Kate Mills, kmills@balibrary.org, for inclusion on our local history web pages.