Being connected to the broader community is key to feeling a part of your world, to feeling valued and respected. EPL is committed to creating authentic, deep relationships within the entire community. One way we have been doing this is through developing a dynamic and diverse staff that reflects the community around us and focuses on engaging a specific demographic. At EPL today, there are six positions that do this: Black Family Engagement Coordinator; Family Engagement Coordinator – Crown Branch; Latino Engagement Librarian; Library Assistant – Older Adults; Teen Engagement Coordinator; and Youth Engagement Librarian. All of these positions foster a robust and dynamic communication between staff and the community.
We are also connecting with the broader community through volunteerism and partnerships focused on service. In January, EPL staff and volunteers walked in Interfaith Action’s Walk for Warmth to commemorate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. On September 11th’s Day of Service, we’ll work with Bundled Blessings to pack and distribute 150 bags to families with young children that will include diapers, board books, library information, and other essentials. Volunteers also deliver books to local preschools and in-home daycare sites, help with special events in the community, and high school volunteers read to preschoolers weekly with our Book Buddies Program. Over 200 EPL volunteers dedicate their time to serving our community together with the Library.
