Welcome to Dayton Metro Library's March 2024 EDI Focus, a new eNewsletter that demonstrates DML's commitment to connect its patrons by building diversified bridges one inclusive steel arch at a time.

Patrons and community members who have an interest in direct services and resources, curated cultural programs and events, and established community partnerships that focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion will find this Focus enlightening and engaging.

Look for the EDI Focus to be sent the last Thursday of every other month, and stay up-to-date on DML's EDI initiative by visiting us online.

Pictured above, from left: Jordan Ostrum (he/him), Megs Francis (they/them), Dr. Gabriela Pickett (she/her), and Dr. Karlos L. Marshall (he/him). You will find their bios below.

Dr. Karlos L. Marshall

The road to equity has a long historical arch, and we stand on the shoulders of Electra C. Doren, a DML trailblazer for women’s rights and underserved communities. In continuing the legacy of Doren and many others, DML was the second public library in Ohio to hire a chief diversity officer. Proudly, we have the most comprehensive staffing structure for an equity, diversity, and inclusion office of any public library within the state. 

We are committed to addressing institutional practices that create barriers to access and opportunity. In January 2023, our Board of Trustees passed an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Board Resolution to avow this promise, which can be read here.

This effort includes, but is not limited to, a structural (re)examination of our organizational philosophy, strategic priorities, culture and climate, policies and practices, services models and programs, marketing and communications, facilitating internal staff training, engaging policy development, and conducting strategic planning and evaluation.  

Collectively, we can cultivate an environment where diversity is championed, inclusion is the norm, and equity is the standard.  

Sincerely,

Dr. Karlos L. Marshall

For the third year in a row, DML is pleased to host its Social Justice Speaker Series (SJSS). This series offers the opportunity for patrons to listen to scholars, authors, and activists discuss some of today's most critical social justice issues as they provide insight from their professional fields and personal journeys.

Check out a Facebook video from Dr. Marshall discussing DML's SJSS.

Special sponsor support for this program is provided by the 

Charles F. Kettering Foundation.

The Social Justice Speaker Series is sponsored by Friends of the Dayton Metro Library.

Electra C. Doren

Dr. Karlos L. Marshall (he/him): Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Director 

Dr. Marshall is an internationally award-winning social entrepreneur serving as the inaugural chief diversity officer of DML, where he spearheads strategic planning for equity, diversity, and inclusion across the organization.

He is the co-founder and co-executive director of The Conscious Connect CDC, which focuses on ending book deserts, creating neighborhood pocket parks, mentoring urban youth, small business development, and fair housing. Dr. Marshall has been named a Forbes “30 Under 30,” an United States Library of Congress Literacy Awards Best Practice Honoree, an International Literacy Association “30 Under 30,” and a Dayton Business Journal “Forty Under 40.”

Megs Francis (they/them): Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Assistant Director 

Megs is thankful to be able to support the EDI work being done across the Library system and recognizes that true EDI work requires one to step back and honor and amplify the voices of individuals with diverse backgrounds. 

Dr. Gabriela Pickett (she/her): Newest American Services Specialist  

Dr. Pickett is an immigrant and English leaner. She provides support to immigrants by promoting equity and access to resources including teaching English as a second language. She also empowers people by facilitating cultural celebrations that will allow them to experience their own culture.

One of her responsibilities is to multiply the potential of the community through engagement. Dr. Pickett created a Dayton-centric-content-based English Language Learner (ELL) curriculum to help people learn English and connect them to the resources they need. The program is in its second year at DML and has demonstrated ongoing success.

Jordan Ostrum (he/him): LGBTQIA+ Services Specialist  

Jordan is a fifth-generation non-native resident of Wyoming's ancestral lands of the Cheyenne and Arapaho. He proudly claims Dayton as his new home. After graduating with a B.A. in Gender & Sexuality Studies from Ursinus College, Jordan received a Masters of Library & Information Studies from the University of Alabama.

He has created collaborative communities through various projects that have taken on different forms and reflect his approach to working toward a future where all are free to belong.

DML's Main Library will be closed

Sunday, March 31, for Easter.