Sonja Ervin is Multnomah County Library’s first ever equity and inclusion manager. She leads efforts to ensure library services, programs, staffing, materials, and spaces are equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive. Her work involves leading staff in thoughtful discussions about equity and inclusion and outlining actionable steps to improve the library’s efforts both internally and for the community. She provides support and holds space for library staff who face experiences of racism and oppression. She is also the executive sponsor for the Black Cultural Library Advocate team.

Her vision for public libraries is that every person, regardless of who they are, where they come from, or their current or past experiences and circumstances, feel connected and a sense of community as they walk through the library doors.

This presentation was co-hosted by the Public Library Division (of OLA) and the State Library of Oregon and was recorded on August 7, 2020.