A Statement from the Bridgewater Public Library Trustees

Bridgewater MA

The Bridgewater Public Library Trustees stand with the Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) in condemning violence and racism towards Black people and all People of Color. We condemn the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, and many others before them. We stand with the Black community, our hearts aching for a country so divided by racial injustice, arrogance, and hatred. It’s hard not to be sad, not to be angry, and to remain hopeful. 

As public officials it is our duty to be instruments of change and bring about changes for a fair and just society. And, as stated in the town charter “the library trustees …insure that members of the Bridgewater community have the right and means to free and open access to information and ideas. The library protects intellectual freedom, promotes literacy and encourages life-long learning”. As such everyone is welcome at Bridgewater Public Library. The Library is committed to nurturing a safe space for people to connect, learn, and grow with each other. Differing beliefs and opinions are respected.

This is a start, but we recognize there is more to do. As a Public Library organization, we will look inward and examine our practices and identify where and how we can do better and be better. And we will reach out to our diverse community to see how we can be of greater service—and take action.

*The Bridgewater Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking community input on how to build up and support the above statement with actions. Please contact us at trustees @ sailsinc.org share your thoughts with us.