(INDIANAPOLIS) – The Indianapolis Public Library is doubling down on efforts to be more inclusive of Indy’s diversity.
The centerpiece of a new two-year strategic plan for the library is a commitment to racial equity. The library pledges to allocate 45-percent of its budget for new books to adding materials focused on the African-American, Hispanic and LGBT communities. It’s also committing to steer about a quarter of contracts with vendors to minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses.
CEO Jackie Nytes says the library isn’t fulfilling its mission if African-American kids come to the library looking for a picture book and see only white characters looking back. She says the library will seek to emphasize racial inclusiveness in other ways as well, from library programming to staff training.
The strategic plan also calls for all Indianapolis Public Schools students to receive library cards this fall, and expanded efforts to promote not just literacy, but digital and financial literacy. And the library has set a goal of at least 15 health and wellness classes a year, including an annual event focused on minority health issues.
The library will open a new southside branch in Perry Township this summer, and a branch at the former Fort Benjamin Harrison in 2023. It’s also relocating the Glendale library to the former John Strange Elementary School.
