News https://www.tnla.org/news/ Tue, 11 Aug 2020 00:11:45 GMT Fri, 12 Jun 2020 18:45:46 GMT Copyright © 2020 Tennessee Library Association TLA Statement on Racial Justice https://www.tnla.org/news/512515/ https://www.tnla.org/news/512515/ The Tennessee Library Association (TLA) is incensed and heartbroken that systemic racism and violence against persons of color remain issues in our society.  It is unconscionable that our members and patrons still suffer from terror, discrimination and exclusion solely based upon the color of their skin. We stand in solidarity with the American Library Association and other sister affiliates in strongly condemning the murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and all who have been victimized by racial aggression.  We strongly condemn the institutional racism that remains prevalent in our society and that impacts the lives of our brothers and sisters of color, including librarians, library staff and our library patrons.  This is not a political issue but a human rights issue.  


We, as a library association, stand for equity, diversity and inclusion; but more importantly, we will ensure that we are living those ideals in examining ourselves and our organization.  We challenge our member libraries to do the same.


The Tennessee Library Association stands steadfast in the belief that all libraries provide a welcoming and safe environment.  To that end, TLA, in concert with the TLA Diversity & Inclusion Committee, sets the following goals:

  • Provide training and resources for the Board, members, and libraries to examine policies, procedures, and actions to ensure that all are welcome in our libraries and association.
  • Ensure that TLA is a truly inclusive environment for all librarians and staff of color and identify barriers to the profession and association.
  • Provide educational programs for librarians and staff on issues of racism, privilege, and breaking down barriers for patrons.
  • Encourage libraries to continue to create and promote diverse programs and collections to share with their communities and patrons.


This statement was approved unanimously by the Tennessee Library Association Advisory Council and Executive Board June 12, 2020.

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General Fri, 12 Jun 2020 19:45:46 GMT
UPDATED TLA Statement on Parental Oversight Bill https://www.tnla.org/news/491274/ https://www.tnla.org/news/491274/
Governing boards and librarians within each community already endeavor to provide enriching and valuable reading/viewing materials and programs to their users. Local boards already possess the full authority to set policies for their library?s public meeting spaces, and work hard to provide equal access to those spaces. HB2721/SB2896 mandates the election of oversight panels to make final decisions regarding library materials ?of any kind,? therefore undermining the authority of existing library boards to set and maintain policies granted within the Tennessee Code.

Therefore, TLA feels the proposal, if enacted, would mandate unnecessary and duplicated legislation, placing an added burden of government oversight on local library boards.

TLA is proud of our ongoing partnership with state lawmakers to meet the needs of our public libraries and the communities they serve. Should HB 2127/SB 2896 continue to take shape, TLA is committed to continuing our work to protect the free and open access to information within Tennessee libraries.



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General Sun, 1 Mar 2020 23:37:54 GMT
TLA Statement on the Parental Oversight Bill https://www.tnla.org/news/490068/ https://www.tnla.org/news/490068/ The Tennessee Library Association (TLA) is aware of the current Tennessee House Bill 2721 and its companion Senate Bill 2896, also known as the Parental Oversight of Public Libraries Act. Currently, the proposed legislation stands as a caption bill, meaning it remains in the early stages of the legislative process. TLA leadership is continuously monitoring the proposal, which in its current state contains language the organization finds equatable to censorship of library collections, which we oppose. The Tennessee Code Annotated provides public libraries local control over collections, meeting spaces, and other matters of policy through governing boards appointed within each community by local government. Therefore, TLA feels the proposal, if enacted, would mandate un-necessary and duplicated legislation, placing an added burden of government oversight on local library boards. TLA is proud of our ongoing work with state lawmakers to meet the needs of our public libraries and the communities they serve. Should HB 2127/SB 2896 continue to take shape, TLA is committed to continuing our work to protect the freedom to read in Tennessee libraries in partnership with our legislators.]]> General Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:37:40 GMT TLA Statement on Events in Tennessee and Virginia, August 2017 https://www.tnla.org/news/361563/ https://www.tnla.org/news/361563/ NASHVILLE - The Tennessee Library Association (TLA) respects the First Amendment rights of citizens to freedom of speech and the right to peacefully assemble. We are grateful that the recent demonstration in Knoxville was nonviolent after news of the events in Charlottesville, Virginia in the past weeks. These events caused us to reflect upon on our values regarding the diversity and inclusion of all people in our membership and more broadly in the communities in which our members serve. Our organization proudly supports the American Library Association's (ALA) position on the recent tragic violence in Charlottesville and joins them in affirmation of the statement issued by ALA President Jim Neal. ALA released the following statement:

?The ALA expresses our deepest condolences to the families and friends of those lost and injured during this weekend?s protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. We will not forget their efforts to enlighten and safeguard their communities from bigotry while opposing racist, anti-immigrant, anti-GLBTQ, and anti-Semitic violence. We stand in solidarity with the people of Virginia as well as anyone who protests hate and fights for equity, diversity and inclusion."

?The vile and racist actions and messages of the white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups in Charlottesville are in stark opposition to the ALA?s core values. No matter the venue or the circumstance, we condemn any form of intimidation or discrimination based on culture, ethnicity, gender, nationality, race, religion, or sexual orientation. Our differences should be celebrated, and mutual respect and understanding should serve as the norms within our society.

?The ALA supports voices of hope as such actions mirror the library community?s efforts to abolish bigotry and cultural invisibility. As we recently stated, ?we must continue to support the creation of a more equitable, diverse and inclusive society,? and we will do this through the work of our members and through resources such as Libraries Respond.?

--The TLA 2017 Executive Board

 

About the Tennessee Library Association

The mission of the Tennessee Library Association (TLA) is to promote the establishment, maintenance and support of quality library services for all people of the state; to cooperate with public and private agencies with related interests; and to support and further professional interests of the membership of the Association.

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General Wed, 30 Aug 2017 21:16:08 GMT
Visit the TLA Store https://www.tnla.org/news/329057/ https://www.tnla.org/news/329057/ Get great TLA merchandise at our CafePress store! We have general TLA items, along with items for the 2018 Conference. Get your swag now!

Cafe Press Store

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General Thu, 2 Feb 2017 14:59:19 GMT
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