Library response to rise in anti-Asian violence and racism

The Spokane Public Library condemns the continuing acts of violence and harassment on the Asian and Pacific Islander communities throughout the US. We stand in solidarity with all of our communities of color during this trying time in our history, but today we stand stronger for our Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities.

There has been a pandemic-era rise in verbal and physical targeted harassment and violence against Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander individuals and communities. National conversation about anti-Asian racism was sparked last week following a violent incident in Atlanta, but we have also seen indicators of targeted harassment here in Spokane.

Our library is committed to unlearning racism, including anti-Asian racism. We are uplifting the voices and stories of Asians, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through our collections, upcoming programming in May for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and year round. Please see our adult and youth booklists highlighting Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander authors.

We will continue through our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access work to evaluate ways we can further combat racism and xenophobia. Also, we encourage our staff, customers and community to explore these resources to join us in standing against anti-Asian racism: Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association’s Statement Against Anti-Asian Violence and 2021 COVID-19 anti-xenophobia and anti-racist information resources.

To our Asian, Asian-American, and Pacific Islander communities: we stand with you. We want you to feel safe and supported in our libraries, our community, and beyond.

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