Mission
Evanston Public Library aims to be the heart of our diverse community by promoting the development of independent, self-confident and literate citizens, and providing equitable access to cultural, intellectual, technological, and information resources.
Vision Statement
The Evanston Public Library Board of Trustees envisions a community in which the Library engages all residents in reaching their aspirations. The Library’s staff, collections, programs, technology and leadership help ensure that:
- All Evanston residents of every background and ability have the opportunity to enjoy an intellectually and culturally rich life
- Every child experiences the pleasure of reading, the joy of learning, enters school with the requisite developmental skills and continues to develop critical thinking skills including functional literacy
- Our community celebrates, appreciates and supports its diversity in all of its forms
- Those in need can find assistance and information with ease
- Every resident experiences the pleasure of reading and the joy of lifelong learning
The Evanston Public Library endorses and embraces the American Library Association’s Equity of Access Statement:
Equity of Access
Equity of access means that all people have the information they need – regardless of age, education, ethnicity, language, income, physical limitations or geographic barriers. It means they are able to obtain information in a variety of formats – electronic, as well as print. It also means they are free to exercise their right to know without fear of censorship or reprisal.
In addition to these efforts supporting equity of access, ALA also actively prioritizes access to information.
The Evanston Public Library supports the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights.