TPL’s strategic plan focus on equity and our Equity Statement informs all our work. Targeted investments in services for equity-deserving groups in our community and in staff assignments have had a wide range of impacts that are not always visible to community partners, staff or stakeholders. The Service Area Spotlights for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ Initiatives showcase the work TPL has done in these areas in order to demonstrate our commitment to taking concrete actions to reduce barriers and increase inclusion.

Before the development of the Service Area Spotlights, information about TPL’s services to equity-deserving groups was not consistently collected or communicated. Now, with easy to read and accessible handouts, staff at any level can easily respond to questions in the branch or share them with partners during outreach. The two initial service area spotlights for Indigenous and 2SLGBTQ+ Initiatives are successful models for future spotlights highlighting library services for other equity-deserving groups.

The Service Area Spotlights are an innovative way to communicate our commitment to equity to our Board, funders, partners and community members. Staff have communicated their increased confidence in speaking to TPL’s equity-focused work and have used the spotlights as they build relationships with community partners. The spotlights have also been well received by City officials, including the 2SLGBTQ+ advisory committee, and were used to support budget presentations and updates to City Council.