Justice, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access (J-IDEA)
J-IDEA guides how the David and Joyce Milne Public Library builds collections, programs, policies, and spaces that foster access, belonging, and equity for all.
Our Commitment
Here at the David and Joyce Milne Public Library, we are committed to social justice, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (J-IDEA). We recognize the systemic oppression and cultural barriers that are present in library institutions and work to remove the obstacles that hinder our patrons from using our materials, feeling safe, and trusting us as a municipal entity.
Why J-IDEA Matters
Our library is no longer an institution with the sole purpose of providing books and media. Beyond diversifying our collections, we choose to expand our resources by implementing programs and initiatives that advocate for justice, inclusion, diversity, equity, and access. Utilizing the internal and external initiatives outlined in our J-IDEA logic model, we commit ourselves to creating a library with a culture of belonging and strive to become a catalyst of social justice within our community.
As a civic anchor committed to access for all, we uphold the rights of our patrons to acquire information and resources equally. We acknowledge the larger efforts to dismantle the work that has been done to combat systems of subjugation and injustice. With this, we recognize the need to consistently re-evaluate our collection, programming, and procedures to ensure that our library reflects the diversity and cultural values of our community.
Endorsed by the Board of Trustees September 10, 2025
Community & Learning Resources
For Our Community:
-
Handicap accessible parking
-
Building entrance (no steps and automatic doors)
-
Wheelchair accessible catalog (those near the front circulation desk)
-
Wheelchair accessible computers
-
Digital library resources (and link to our digital resources page)
-
Specialized materials
-
Large print books
-
Audiobooks
-
Captioned DVDs
-
Captioned Movie Screenings
-
Digital resources
-
Assistance in retrieving library items and photocopying
-
ASL interpreter (with one week's notice)
-
For patrons who may need mobility assistance during their visit, a walker and wheelchair is available upon request. Please speak with a staff member at the front desk or call ahead if you'd like to reserve it in advance.
The David and Joyce Milne Public Library strives to make our resources accessible to all users through a variety of collections and services.
However, we acknowledge the continued work needed to be done in hopes of becoming accessible to all patrons, staff, and community members. We are working to improve our accessibility efforts in and outside of the library. Learn more about our web accessibility below!
Accessibility Services
.png)
-
Access our community Resource Guide here.
Given our mission to make the library as free and unrestricted as possible for the community, we have amassed a high volume of patrons who are struggling financially and this pantry is meant to fill a barrier.
There is no barrier to access our pantry, no one has to meet any criteria or prove their deservedness and it is therefore an effort to increase equity, inclusion, and access within the Williamstown community.
We have a mission of fostering a community that is rich in perspective and compassion. But this isn’t just about food - it’s about care, community, and well-being. We want to help ease the stress and stigma that often comes with asking for help.
This initiative is an effort to create something different; this pantry will offer food and nutritional sustenance that anyone can take - no questions asked. It’s open to everyone, whenever the library is, and it’s all about ease, dignity, and access.
The pantry is open Tuesdays, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This cupboard is not a substitute for existing local resources. If you have a larger need, please view out Community Resource Guide for additional services.
Remedy Hall is a a community supported mutual aid center in Williamstown, MA providing those experiencing hardship with non-food, basic life necessities free of charge.
They are located at 620 Main Street in Williamstown, MA. They ask that patrons continue to make appointments.
Hours are Monday through Friday 1 to 4pm.
About Remedy Hall
The David and Joyce Milne Public Library is happy to be a satellite location for Remedy Hall.
There are two locations within our library that you can find items free of charge; upfront by our water fountain and in our Teen Room.
Patrons and community members can now donate items for Remedy Hall at the library! Bring your items to the back vestibule of the library and place them on the cart that says "Remedy Hall."
Use the Recite Me toolbar to access text-to-speech, translation, and accessibility tools. View our two guides below!
Learn how to access and use the Recite Me toolbar on the Milne Library website to customize text, audio, translation, and visual settings for a more accessible browsing experience here.
A step-by-step reference guide to all Recite Me toolbar features, including audio playback, text customization, translation tools, and reading aids here.
Education & Context:
J-IDEA Committee Members
Brianna Christie — Chair, Marketing and Communication Strategist
Deborah Baker — Children's Librarian
Katy Evans — Board Liaison, Board of Trustees Member
Val Freitas — Community Empowerment Intern
Micah Manary — Board of Trustees Chair
Sam White — Library Services Specialist
Elizabeth Whitney — Friends of the Library Board Member
Angela Zimmermann — Library Director