It is the responsibility of Canadian public institutions, including libraries, to support a society that respects diversity and fosters social inclusion.

Okanagan Regional Library is responsible for working with its communities to create services that diverse communities identify as respectful, inclusive, and accessible.

The Library strives to deliver inclusive service, affirming the dignity of those they serve, regardless of heritage, education, beliefs, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental health, physical or cognitive capabilities, or socio-economic status.

Library staff act to ensure that people can enjoy services free from any attempt by others to impose values, customs, or beliefs. (Adapted from the CFLA Statement on Diversity and Inclusion.)

ORL staff will strive to:

• Identify populations that may be under-represented or hard to reach based on diverse life circumstances. 
• Seek to understand how diverse community groups define and describe themselves. 
• Listen directly to communities rather than relying on indirect sources such as statistical reports, other public libraries, or community service providers.
• Work with diverse communities to develop inclusive consultation and engagement processes.
• Work with diverse communities to determine appropriate ways to design, deliver, and evaluate services.

Approved by the ORL Board of Trustees – November 17, 2021

The Okanagan Regional Library also endorses the Canadian Federation of Library Associations’ Statement on Intellectual Freedom and Libraries.

We champion access to information and exposure to diverse points of view. The library as a public institution supports the free exchange of ideas as a fundamental part of democratic society. (See Strategic Plan [PDF], page 5),