Statement from DCLA concerning events in Washington, DC on January 6th 2021

DCLA condemns the events that took place in our city on January 6th to undermine the democratic electoral process of our country. The violence we witnessed on Capitol Hill reminds us about the important role libraries, librarians, and information professionals play in a democratic society by providing unbiased access to information resources for an informed citizenry.  

Furthermore, we condemn the attack on Asbury United Methodist Church, one of the oldest Black churches in the District.  The District of Columbia is so much more than the seat of our government. It is our home and a community with neighborhoods, people from all walks of life, and is a historic cultural center that is the home of more than 220 sites that document the important role of African Americans in the history of the District and the United States.  These sites include the homes of Fredrick Douglass and Carter G. Woodson, the Father of Black History. Our National Mall honors Black people at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial and the National Museum of African American History. We want to emphasize that people living and working in Washington, D.C. are strong and come together in unity during these difficult times as we reconcile with the emotional strain caused by recent events. 

DCLA will continue to advocate for the work libraries perform to empower democratic communities. We also want to express our gratitude to the American Library Association and state chapters for reaching out to DC libraries and librarians. 

Please read ALA's full statement by following this link and consider registering as an advocate for the District of Columbia.