Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our Commitment to Equity

The Boston Public Library's Racial Equity Commitment & Action Plan responds to the systemic racism, inequity, and injustice prevalent in our society, and commits the BPL to becoming an anti-racist organization.

The Boston Public Library is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that all people deserve access to information, resources, and opportunities, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

We are working to create a library that is welcoming and inclusive for all. We are doing this by:

  • Hiring a more diverse workforce
  • Expanding our collection of materials by and about people of color
  • Offering programs and services that meet the needs of all our communities
  • Partnering with community organizations to promote equity and inclusion

We are committed to creating a space where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

Indigenous Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge that the Boston Public Library’s Central Library stands on land that was once a water-based ecosystem providing sustenance for the indigenous Massachusett people and is a place which has long served as a site of meeting and exchange among nations. We are committed to land acknowledgements for all locations at which we operate.

Video Interpretation Services

Video Interpretation Services Available at all BPL Locations

Video interpretation services are now available at all BPL locations through Certified Language International.

Equity Blog

The BPL Equity Program blog features articles, interviews, and other resources on a variety of topics related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The blog is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in this important area.

All BPL Locations Offer Video Interpretation Services

The Boston Public Library has launched video interpretation services systemwide through Certified Languages International (CLI).

Juneteenth Day, An Emancipation Celebration in Roxbury

On Juneteenth, declared as a federal holiday in 2021 BPL staff gathered on the lawn of the National Center for African-American Artists.

Events

The BPL Equity Program hosts a variety of events and observances throughout the year. These events are a great opportunity to learn more about equity, diversity, and inclusion and to connect with other people who share your values.

Opportunities

The BPL Equity Program is always looking for volunteers and partners to help us achieve our goals. If you are interested in getting involved, please email us at equity@bpl.org.

We all have something to contribute to the fight for equity, diversity, and inclusion. We invite you to join us in creating a more just and equitable public library, to inform, engage, and empower the communities we serve.

Explore Resources at the Boston Public Library

Community Learning Center

The Community Learning Center can help with citizenship, immigration, English classes, adult education, technology, job success, and more.

Human Services Events at the Boston Public Library

The BPL offers legal services office hours, Pine Street Inn drop-in hours, community support, and more.

Accessibility at the Boston Public Library

The BPL strives to make our resources accessible to all users through a variety of collections, services, and specialized equipment.

Technology

Your BPL card gives you free access to Chromebook laptops and Wi-Fi routers, along with free computer and technology classes.

Kirstein Business Library & Innovation Center (KBLIC)

KBLIC invites media creators, innovators, job seekers, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, investors, coders, and makers to its space.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Events

Learn English at the Library! We offer hundreds of ESOL classes, conversation groups, and other opportunities to learn and practice English.

Citizenship & Immigration Guide

Find citizenship exam materials, legal services referrals and learn about upcoming information sessions.

Reentry Centers for Formerly Detained Citizens & Job Help

This guide contains resources for finding reenetry centers in MA as well as job and educational resources for formerly detained citizens.

Come to Our ESOL Classes and Conversation Groups

See all our upcoming ESOL classes and conversation groups at many different Boston Public Library locations and times.

Job & Career Success Events

Check out our job & career success events, including resume & cover letter workshops, info sessions, classes, and appointment opportunities.

BPL's Annually Published Booklists

Every year our librarians compile booklists that celebrate the diversity of our world. Check out a title today!

We Are Pride Booklists & Resources

Visit our We Are Pride page to find online resources, booklists, and upcoming We Are Pride events at the library.

Mental Health at the Boston Public Library

Visit our Mental Health page for a curated selection of tools to help you on your wellness journey.

Health & Wellness at the Boston Public Library

Boston Public Library provides health education and resources on topics affecting our Boston neighborhoods to support health literacy.

Transparent Language

Learn over 110 languages anytime, anywhere, using any Internet-connected device!

Mango Languages

An interactive language-learning resource supporting dozens of languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, English, Hindi, and Spanish.

Social Justice Booklists

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