Mission & Vision
Mission
DeKalb County Public Library is a place to grow. The library enlightens and enriches the people of DeKalb County by providing responsive, dynamic services that meet the changing informational, educational, and recreational needs of a diverse population.
Vision
The library plays a primary role in cultivating a literate and economically strong DeKalb County, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the community.
Values Statement
The DeKalb County Public Library provides excellent service to residents based on the following values:
- Customer Service: We welcome everyone and treat them with openness and respect.
- Access & Inclusion: We work to ensure equal access for all. We build, foster, and maintain an environment that is inclusive.
- Community Service & Partnerships: We provide indispensable resources and services to meet community needs. We partner with other organizations to maximize our local resources.
- Intellectual Freedom: We provide information representing all points of view. We recognize each individual’s right to access information and respect the privacy of library patrons.
- Creativity & Innovation: We support creativity and innovation to better serve the community. We use technology to increase access to information and to work more efficiently.
- Stewardship: We are good stewards of the public’s resources and look to provide both effective and efficient services to the community.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
Many inequities in our society have been brought to the forefront over the last few years in ways that cannot be ignored. Each of us has a role to play in addressing changes that need to happen. DeKalb County Public Library recognizes equity, diversity and inclusion as integral to achieving our mission of being a place to grow. That growth cannot happen without respect, hard work and community empowerment. We understand our communities are strengthened when all are allowed to thrive.
Equity is the quality of being fair and impartial, with freedom from bias or favoritism. Diversity is the variety of things that make us unique including culture, beliefs, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Inclusion is feeling valued and having a sense of belonging.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are at the root of our decisions:
- We will provide print and digital materials to give voice to a broad range of ideas and perspectives.
- We will develop programs and services that educate and enlighten.
- We will foster civic engagement to strengthen empathy and understanding.
- We will help build resilience in our communities.
- We will work towards addressing systemic barriers alongside our community partners.
- We will listen to our community to understand their needs.
- We will nurture a respectful and supportive work environment.
DeKalb County Public Library will continue to make thoughtful and deliberate steps to infuse the fundamentals of equity, diversity and inclusion within our library culture.