The State Library of North Carolina (SLNC), in partnership with the North Carolina Library Association's Roundtable on Ethnic and Minority Concerns and with consultation from Dr. Love Jones of Interwoven Consulting, has created the Racial Equity in Libraries Toolkit.

The State Library of North Carolina recognizes that deeper learning about bias, structural racism, and racism in libraries is essential for moving the profession forward to create truly diverse and inclusive institutions. Available for all statewide library staff through the SLNC Niche Academy, the Racial Equity in Libraries Toolkit has been created to increase awareness and knowledge around structural racism in the United States, North Carolina, and within the library profession. The interactive nature of this Toolkit makes it one of a kind within the public library world.

"We are delighted that the Racial Equity Toolkit has come to fruition,” said Cotina Jones, Director of Library Development. “The Toolkit will be helpful to all North Carolina libraries as they address diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility within their organizations."

This project was made possible by funding from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (IMLS grant number LS-246155-OLS-20).

Adapting Technology Grant Program

The State Library of North Carolina recently awarded over $1.5 million to 46 libraries across the state through the Adapting Technology grant program. These funds will help libraries respond directly and immediately to community needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.  The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the critical need for equitable access to technology that cultivates learning within North Carolina’s communities and reduces disparities in access to knowledge and resources.

NC Cardinal Resource Sharing Consortium Celebrates 10th Anniversary!  
NC Cardinal celebrates its tenth anniversary this year! This growing consortium of North Carolina Public Libraries began with a group of public library directors envisioning a library card that could be used throughout the state. In 2011 the first five public library systems joined, using the open-source Evergreen Integrated Library System software for their shared catalog. In 2013, sixteen member libraries began sharing materials, including books, videos, audiobooks, and music. By the end of June 2022, NC Cardinal will serve 48 library systems in 62 counties and 4 municipalities.