Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Organizational Challenge moving forward

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Organizational Challenge is underway! At last month's meeting, the Board agreed to support the library's challenge to reach to a new level of service where everyone is provided the very best service regardless of differences. At this week's meeting, the Board agreed to a new Hiring Policy, stating our commitment to a diverse workforce that reflects our community. Here's the text of that policy:

The Kenosha Public Library is committed to cultivating a diverse and inclusive culture that welcomes
all people to the library. KPL staff believes our differences in age, race, color, disability, ethnicity,
marital status, gender identity or expression, language, national origin, physical and mental ability,
religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, and other characteristics enhance our understanding of,
and service to, our diverse community. We strive to honor this commitment through staff development and in our recruitment, hiring, and promotion practices.

In order to ensure that KPL is both reflective of and relevant to the community it serves, the
Kenosha Public Library Board encourages and supports recruitment and continuing
education initiatives that facilitate the hiring and promotion of a diverse workforce at all
organizational levels.

The Kenosha Public Library seeks out qualified applicants through a variety of recruiting sources
including professional, community, and educational institutions. Open positions are posted to the KPLwebsite and on the City of Kenosha’s NeoGov portal. Select positions may also be posted to regional and national job banks. Applicants may submit their application through the City of Kenosha’s NeoGov site. Applicants whose qualifications best match the requirements of a position are interviewed by a team of supervisors which may include the Head of Administrative Services and Staff Training and the Library Director. It is the Library's policy not to consider applications and resumes received after a posted closing deadline. Due to the high volume of applications and resumes received for positions at the Library, it is not possible to interview everyone.

Although an initial offer of employment with the Kenosha Public Library may be for a particular
position at a certain location, the Library reserves the right to reassign an employee to an alternate
location based upon the Library’s needs.

As we convene late next month to discuss the focus of our service for the next three years,  we will consider diversity, equity and inclusion in all our service plans. I encourage you to join the DEI Team to get involved and offer your support for this ambitious and meaningful work. Their next meeting Tuesday July 18th at 8:30am @SW.
See you there!