Mission Statement: The Lancaster Public Library inspires, empowers, and strengthens our community by connecting people with information, ideas, and enriching experiences.
Vision Statement: By providing equitable access to vital educational resources, exceptional programming, and community building opportunities, the Lancaster Public Library is recognized as a dynamic center of knowledge and a cornerstone of a thriving Lancaster community.
Non-Discrimination Policy:
As a member of the American Library Association, Lancaster Public Library adheres to the American Library Association’s Code on Core Values, Ethics, and Core Competencies, including their commitment to combating prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination. The American Library policy is as follows:
The American Library Association actively commits its programs and resources to those efforts that combat prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination against individuals and groups in the library profession and in library user populations on the basis of race, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, color, religious background, national origin, language of origin or disability. Nothing in the Resolution on Prejudice, Stereotyping, and Discrimination authorizes censoring, expurgation, or restrictive labeling of materials. Actions and programs to raise the awareness of library users to any problem or condition would not be in conflict with the Library Bill of Rights when they are free of any element of advocacy. Both documents respect the rights of all who use libraries to do so freely and without being subjected to pressure or censorship from within the institution. Furthermore, ALA believes that the struggle against racism, prejudice, stereotyping, and discrimination is a continuous effort and must extend throughout its membership. Specifically, the American Library Association and libraries will:
1. Seek to facilitate equitable participation of all people within decision-making processes in the Association and will strive to create an environment where all are welcome and where diversity is a collective goal.
2. Encourage its membership, libraries, vendors, and stakeholders to implement anti-racism policies that outline the organization’s expectations of its participants, staff and members.
3. Support anti-racism work within the broader society by monitoring, evaluating, and advocating for human rights and equity legislation, regulations, policy and practice. Thus, the American Library Association will endeavor to ensure full representation of all racial groups and have this reflected in its policies, procedures, and programs, as well as in its relations with staff, members, stakeholders, and the community at large, thereby reaffirming its commitment to diversity, inclusiveness, and mutual respect for all human beings.