At the November 17, 2025 meeting, several trustees stated they would not approve the district’s strategic priorities unless the words equity and equitable access were removed, and they suggested limiting the district’s statement on intellectual freedom. The Board must approve the strategic priorities as written.
Why is this important?
Equity and intellectual freedom are core values of public libraries. As a district serving diverse populations across multiple counties, FVRLibraries must ensure resources are distributed fairly and that patrons of all ages can access a broad, diverse collection without political interference.
Community members, staff, and an outside consultant shaped these strategic priorities. Removing equity language or weakening the district’s commitment to intellectual freedom undermines that work and threatens the library’s ability to serve everyone with integrity.
AFSCME Local 307L urges the Board of Trustees to retain the equity language in the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities, and to uphold a full and uncompromised commitment to intellectual freedom.
Please sign and share this petition if you believe FVRLibraries must continue to serve all communities equitably and protect the right to read.
