Statement
How Do We Define Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion?
Diversity
The collective identities and differences, visible and invisible, that make up a person or community. A diverse organization grows and is strengthened by encouraging different perspectives.
Equity
Ensures fair treatment and equal opportunity for all, recognizing that some groups have been historically marginalized. An equitable organization strives to increase opportunities and eliminate barriers for marginalized groups.
Inclusion
An environment where a diverse group of people feels valued, welcomed, respected, and accepted. An inclusive organization enacts policies and initiatives that help everyone feel they contribute fully to the organization’s success.
Ways We Serve Our Diverse Community
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee
NPL’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, comprised of staff from different departments, works together to ensure the library is a welcoming environment for all and that library services are inclusive.
Board of Trustees Diversity Statement
The Naperville Public Library Board of Trustees released a Diversity Statement in the Summer of 2020 to reaffirm the library’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sensory NPL App
In January of 2020 NPL launched the brand-new Sensory NPL App with Infiniteach. This app helps makes the library more accessible to people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory disabilities. Among other features the app provides detailed building maps, voice-guided library overviews, and scheduling tools. Sensory NPL is available to download free on the Google Play and Apple App Store.
Land Acknowledgement Statement
The land upon which the three Naperville Public Library buildings stand is the occupied, unceded ancestral territory of the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Peoria, Kaskaskia, Bodéwadmiké (Potawatomi), Myaamia, and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ Nations. NPL believes that truth and acknowledgement are critical to building mutual respect and connection across all barriers and therefore recognizes the forced removal of these Native Nations and their ensuing struggles for survival and identity. Please take a moment to consider the violence, displacement, migration, colonization, and settlement that have happened on this land and neighboring lands as well as our present participation in these legacies.
World Language Collection
Naperville Public Library is pleased to offer books in a wide array of languages, reflecting the myriad of languages spoken in our community. Whether you are a native speaker or looking to refresh your studies; there are adult, teen, and children’s books for every level. Currently, our world language collection has 9 languages, including Arabic, Chinese, French, Hindi, Marathi, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Tamil.
اَلْعَرَبِيَّةُ
汉语/漢語
Français
हिन्दी
मराठी
Polski
Русский
Español
தமிழ்
- Our Overdrive eBook collection has materials in Spanish and Chinese.
- Our Hoopla collection has electronic books, audiobooks, movies, music, and more in over 80 languages.
- PressReader has access to newspapers and magazines in over 60 languages.
- Our Kanopy collection has access to streaming movies in over 60 languages.
Don't see a language you would like to read, let us know on our Material Request Form. We are always looking at the potential to add new languages as our community grows.
Collections in Different Formats
The library provides many options for customers who may require or prefer a certain format. Our collection includes large print and audiobooks. Much of the library’s downloadable content is accessible to customers with disabilities by including text-to-speech, dyslexic font options, and high contrasts toggling and text resizing options.
Internal Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Audits
The library is filled with staff of lifelong learners, we are always striving to discover new ways to stay at the forefront of library services ensuring Naperville continues to be recognized as a 5-star library. We plan to work with staff from all departments to audit several areas of the library. Already we have created blueprints to audit our marketing, culture, collection, and programming. Our focus for these audits is to evaluate our current diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. To that end, internal audits of our processes is a key component to evaluate ourselves.
Adaptive Technology
Library computers have magnifier software and other ease of access tools, including high contrast, speech-to-text, and narrator abilities.
Delivery Services
We are pleased to offer a home delivery service for any Naperville cardholder who is unable to visit the library due to permanent or temporary health conditions.
Free Tax Assistance for Low-Income Households
Naperville Public library is pleased to offer annual Tax Assistance Services in partnership with the Notre Dame Club of DuPage County and the Accounting Department at Benedictine University. These organizations are an IRS-approved Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) location.
