Everybody In: The Inclusion and Diversity Charter for Libraries


I confirm that I/we:

  • Am/are committed to playing a part in ensuring that all children can find themselves in books, as well as seeing those who are different from them.
  • Understand the wide-ranging nature of the term ‘diversity’ to encompass race and heritage, disability, gender and gender identity, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, religion, and culture.
  • Aim to keep up to date with issues surrounding diversity and inclusion.

Please commit to at least three action points

Your choice of commitments will depend on the nature of your work. Various examples are listed below. 

(These should be reviewed every two years)

 

Category 1 – Core commitments

(choose at least one)

This should be a positive, regular activity to improve children’s access to diverse and inclusive books. Examples could include:

  • Carry out regular audits of books to assess levels of inclusion and diversity
  • Regularly explore opportunities to include a diverse range of characters in books
  • Seek out ways to expose children to a suitably diverse and inclusive range of books
  • Actively seek out ways to ensure book events are accessible to as wide an audience as possible
  • Seek to increase the range of books available in different formats
  • Find ways to ensure the authenticity of diverse characters, for example through research, consultancy or talking to real people with relevant experiences
  • Arrange annual training for staff.

Category 2 – Supplementary commitments

(choose at least one)

These should be more specific actions to support the core commitment. For example:

  • Purchase books by authors/illustrators from diverse groups
  • Attend relevant events, conferences or discussions
  • Organise a debate or talk on inclusion and diversity
  • Discuss inclusion and diversity with colleagues and challenge those who downplay its importance
  • Actively develop knowledge of different facets of diversity
  • Seek out and support publishers and book suppliers who publish and curate high-quality inclusive books
  • For each book ask ‘Who is represented in this book and how? Is the representation authentic?’
  • Sign up to the Inclusive Minds newsletter.