Equity PAC Endorses Love4GRPL: Library Operating Millage Renewal
Supports valuable resources, encourages increased outreach to Black and Brown communities
Equity PAC, a local organization working to increase the number of equity-minded policies, practices, and officials in West Michigan, enthusiastically endorsed the Love4GRPL operating millage renewal. By allowing the Grand Rapids Public Library (GRPL) to continue the existing capital millage as an operating millage, this valuable resource will continue to be available as free information, education, and community resource.
“The Grand Rapids Public Library have built their services to be a tool in addressing inequities in the city of Grand Rapids. That is why we support this operating millage continuation while encouraging GRPL to double down on its efforts,” said Equity PAC Co-Chair, Kelsey Perdue.
GRPL has taken strides to support historically marginalized groups. The continuation of this millage will allow for the library to support pre-school and kindergarten reading readiness programming, a proven tool to support children living in poverty.
“Sounds like GRPL is doing a lot to increase access and connect with marginalized families,” said one EquityPAC member.
Grand Rapids Public Library is working towards increasing their online resources, which they acknowledge will provide additional access while understanding that online resources are often more accessible to higher-income, frequently white, individuals who can afford at-home broadband. Finding unique ways to ensure public libraries broaden their accessibility to low-income, Black and Brown families is paramount to GRPL’s equity goals.
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About EquityPAC: EquityPAC formed in March of 2016 as an independent political action committee under the Michigan Campaign Finance Act (PA 388 of 1976). Their mission is to increase the number of equity-minded officials, policies, and practices in Michigan. To do this, they mobilize time and money to support equity-minded candidates and ballot initiatives, provide education and advocacy of equity-focused policies, and encourage direct citizen action to address a number of equity issues. Learn more at www.equitypacmi.com.
Originally published October 2, 2017
