The New York Library Association, ‘The Voice of the Library Community,’ released a statement, below, about the killing of George Floyd and the subsequent protests across the state and country.
The Southeast Steuben County Library and its Board of Trustees embraces this statement fully, and add our voice to the recognition and commitment that #BlackLivesMatter.
Please visit our Anti-Racism Resources page to learn more about what you can do to help realize the ideal of equality in our community.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
“These are undoubtedly difficult days, the likes most of us have never seen. Together we face a pandemic, and now the horrific murder of George Floyd and the protests that have followed.
The New York Library Association (NYLA) and the New York Black Librarians Caucus (NYBLC), echo the sentiments of the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA), and the American Library Association (ALA), in their condemnation of violence and racism towards Black people and all People of Color.
NYLA and NYBLC state unequivocally #BlackLivesMatter.
Racism in any form is a scourge that divides our communities.
The New York library community values diversity, equity, inclusion, and open access to information, and stands against racism, hatred, and violence, while working to ensure that libraries are welcoming and safe.
As we face even more challenging days ahead, the role of libraries in our communities will be more important than ever; bringing neighbors together to learn, share and grow.
We have work to do.
NYLA and NYBLC will continue to strive against systemic racism and social injustice, and endeavor to make every community better by supporting libraries and library services that broaden the understanding of our diverse communities, and provides open and equitable access to information that leads each patron towards their own betterment.”
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––—–
The Southeast Steuben County Library is an essential member of and resource for many communities: the city of Corning, and the towns of Corning, Caton, Campbell, Erwin, Hornby, and Lindley, all of which comprise our chartered service area. Our charter as an Association Library is granted by the State Department of Education, and we are one of 48 member libraries of the Southern Tier Library System.

We make our services available to tens of thousands of people a year regardless of race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, economic status, level of education, political affiliation, language, physical or mental abilities, citizenship status or country of origin. Every person that comes through our doors is granted equal privilege, respect and access.

Learn more about our history, mission, and vision here.