Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice and Advocacy
Goodnow Library is committed to advocating for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in all spaces, starting with our workplace. We are taking steps to increase the diversity and inclusion within Goodnow. A collaborative space of individuals with multifaceted backgrounds, experiences and opinions offers the best service to our patrons.
Land Acknowledgement
As we deliberate on issues that impact our community, it is essential that we also look to, and learn from, the lessons of the past. We want to acknowledge that Sudbury is located on the traditional, ancestral, unceded territory of the Nipmuc, Pawtucket, and Massachusett. We honor with gratitude the land itself and the people who have taken care of it throughout the generations. We are committed to becoming better stewards of the land we inhabit and learning from the failures of preceding generations in pursuit of a more just and equitable Sudbury.
Want to learn more about this land acknowledgment and the indigenous people who lived in Sudbury? Please visit these sites:
https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/about/understandings
https://nativegov.org/news/a-guide-to-indigenous-land-acknowledgment/
What is Sudbury CARES?
Sudbury CARES (Community Anti-Racism Education Series) is collaboration between the library and other community members.
The Goodnow Library recognizes the deep sadness, anger and fear we are all feeling, inflamed by the ongoing violence against Black civilians, and especially by the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery.
Many people have risen to the challenge to protest, once again, against the ongoing violence towards Black people stemming from structural racism and systemic inequality in our nation.
The Goodnow Library unequivocally rejects hate, racism and bigotry of any kind. We are committed to justice for all people and stand in solidarity with those who are asking for a systemic change that will lead to a safer, kinder nation.
We believe that promoting the seeking of knowledge and information leads to understanding and empathy. As a result we are launching a new community wide series called Sudbury CARES (Community Anti-Racism Education Series).
This group was formed by members of the community who wanted to create a space for everyone in our community to discuss and learn about racism, causes of systemic racism, and what can be done to counteract it.
This is a welcoming group for everyone of any age or background. Our goal is to learn and explore together, in a safe space where all voices are heard and listened to with respect.