Libraries Working Towards Social Justice

Image stating Libraries Are For EveryoneFormed in 2020, Libraries Working Towards Social Justice seeks to expand programming efforts beyond our individual communities to achieve a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive society.

Library and Town Programs and Resources

Town of Chelmsford Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee (DEIC) supports Chelmsford’s efforts to become a welcoming town that recognizes diversity, pursues racial equity, and fosters inclusion.

Town of Chelmsford Land Acknowledgement

On March 14, 2022, the Chelmsford Select Board signed a Land Acknowledgement Proclamation which was drafted by a subcommittee of the Town’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, library staff, and Select Board member, Pat Wojtas.

Housing Resources

The Chelmsford Library has created a resource guide helping to point those experiencing homelessness in our community to assistance.

Resource Guides

Civics: Environment & Climate Change

Button with recycle symbol and world icon.This guide to resources related to helping the environment and combating climate change can help you get more informed and involved. Learn how you can influence climate change and our natural environment in a positive way.


Civics: Immigration & Citizenship

Button with image of people standing around an icon of the world. This guide to immigration and citizenship related resources can help you get more informed and involved in this important topic. Find recommended reading, local and national organizations, health resources, and English language learning.


Civics: LGBTQ+ Equality

Button with pride flag.This guide to LGBTQ+ related resources can help you get informed and involved in fighting for equality. Find out more using our recommended readings, then consider joining a local organization or meetup or volunteering.


Civics: Poverty & Food Insecurity

Button with unite to end poverty text.This guide to food banks and related resources can help you get more informed and involved in helping feed others. Use this guide to help find food, or to get involved with helping others suffering from food insecurity.


Civics: Racial Justice

Button with handsThis guide to racial justice related resources can help you get more informed and involved in this important topic. Find recommended reading and local and national organizations that support racial and social justice topics. Get involved today!


Civics: Voter Engagement

Button with the word 'vote'Learn about candidates running for office, where to go to become a poll worker, and how to contact your representatives. This guide to voting related resources will help you become a more informed and engaged voter!


Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange

The Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange exists to help “find youth permanent families so that they have the support system they need to live safely and to become their best selves. We believe no child should leave the foster care system without permanent connections, support, and stability.” The website features access to adoption support resources, ways to get involved, and a continually-updated database of profiles of foster children in Massachusetts waiting to find the right home.


Massachusetts Municipal Guide

A statewide listing of municipalities by county, state and regional contact information for a variety of government departments and services for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Includes addresses and contacts for elected and appointed officials from the local level to the U.S. Congress.


 

REACT Grant

REACT Grant logo: Read, Engage, and Come Together

In 2018 & 2019, the Chelmsford Library embarked on a year-long project to promote civic participation and education with our REACT Grant: Read, Engage, And Come Together.

During the grant the library explored six key issues that impact our community and society as a whole through engaging programming, in depth moderated discussions, films, readings, and quality resources.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services logoThe Civic Engagement REACT Program was brought to you with federal funds provided by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Other Libraries

Besides us in Chelmsford, other libraries participating in the “Libraries Working Towards Social Justice” effort include Andover/Memorial Hall Library, Burlington, Groton, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lowell/Pollard Memorial Library, Methuen/Nevins Memorial Library, Newton, North Andover/Stevens Memorial Library, North Reading/Flint Memorial Library, Tewksbury, Westford/Fletcher Memorial Library, and Wilmington.