Mission, Vision, and Values

Accessibility

We value universal access to ideas for education and enjoyment through language in all its forms.

Accountability

We value accountability through fiscal responsibility. We value transparency and strive to demonstrate this through our actions, results and continuous improvement.

Connectivity

We value collaboration and see our role as an essential community connector to the individuals we serve through our partners and services. We value the importance of connection within our organization and prioritize pathways for communication in all that we do.

Diversity/Inclusivity

We value the diversity of our community and strive to reflect that diversity through inclusive planning and services.

Responsibility

We value the responsibility to serve our customers and community. We value a supportive, positive, fair, team-based culture that values everyone’s passions and talents.

On June 10, 2020, the City of Lethbridge Library Board approved an endorsement of the Canadian Urban Libraries Council’s Statement on Race & Social Equity, which reads:

“As leaders of North America’s public libraries, we are committed to achieving racial and social equity by contributing to a more just society in which all community members can realize their full potential. Our libraries can help achieve true and sustained equity through an intentional, systemic and transformative library-community partnership. Our library systems are working to achieve equity in the communities we serve by:

• Eliminating racial and social equity barriers in library programs, services, policies and practices
• Creating and maintaining an environment of diversity, inclusion and respect both in our library systems and in all aspects of our community role
• Ensuring that we are reaching and engaging disenfranchised people in the community and helping them express their voice
• Serving as a convener and facilitator of conversations and partnerships to address community challenges
• Being forthright on tough issues that are important to our communities

Libraries are trusted, venerable and enduring institutions, central to their communities and an essential participant in the movement for racial and social equity.”

This statement (originally endorsed by the Urban Libraries Council) outlines the important role that public libraries play in advancing racial and social equity. The Board’s motion also requires that Lethbridge Public Library incorporate these principles into our planning and approach to service development, and sign on to the original statement created by the Urban Libraries Council. You can view the existing signatories here: https://www.urbanlibraries.org/initiatives/statement-on-race-and-social-equity