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To: Fort Vancouver Regional Libraries Board of Trustees

Protect Equity and Intellectual Freedom at FVRLibraries

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash
At the November 17, 2025 meeting, several trustees stated they would not approve the district’s strategic priorities unless the words equity and equitable access were removed, and they suggested limiting the district’s statement on intellectual freedom. The Board must approve the strategic priorities as written.

Why is this important?

Equity and intellectual freedom are core values of public libraries. As a district serving diverse populations across multiple counties, FVRLibraries must ensure resources are distributed fairly and that patrons of all ages can access a broad, diverse collection without political interference.

Community members, staff, and an outside consultant shaped these strategic priorities. Removing equity language or weakening the district’s commitment to intellectual freedom undermines that work and threatens the library’s ability to serve everyone with integrity.

AFSCME Local 307L urges the Board of Trustees to retain the equity language in the mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities, and to uphold a full and uncompromised commitment to intellectual freedom.

Please sign and share this petition if you believe FVRLibraries must continue to serve all communities equitably and protect the right to read.



Skamania County, WA, USA

Maps © Stamen; Data © OSM and contributors, ODbL

Updates

2026-01-28 23:55:52 -0500

Thank you for your ongoing support of equity at FVRLibraries. The January 2026 Board Meeting (https://youtu.be/abS6T1YRpPg?si=-3qo7a-6ss-iU3Vo) was a setback for equitable public library service, but we will continue forward. Please continue sharing this petition with friends and family and make sure to *subscribe* to the petition so you will be included in future emails sent to the group. We appreciate your support and will have an update on the next action soon. In Solidarity, AFSCME Local 307L

2026-01-20 22:27:10 -0500

Thank you so much for your support of equity and intellectual freedom! AFSCME Local 307L will stand with our community in support of equity and intellectual freedom at the January FVRLibraries Board of Trustees Meeting on Monday, 1/26/26 6:00 PM at Vancouver Community Library (901 C Street). Please join us as we deliver this petition and speak for keeping equity and intellectual front and center in FVRLibraries' service to the public.

2026-01-01 08:56:11 -0500

1,000 signatures reached

2025-12-14 12:32:50 -0500

500 signatures reached

2025-12-11 14:39:33 -0500

100 signatures reached

2025-12-11 11:54:02 -0500

50 signatures reached

2025-12-11 10:33:21 -0500

25 signatures reached

2025-12-11 09:44:16 -0500

10 signatures reached