Library spaces often host events, for example:

• ■ to bring new people into a public library

• ■ building tours

• ■ teaching sessions for undergraduate students

• ■ visits from publishers

• ■ visits from authors

■ conferences where library staff are discussing best practice.

The possibilities for events are practically never ending, but each one can be improved by viewing it through an EDI lens.

In this chapter we will discuss a variety of topics to help ensure that your events are as inclusive and welcoming as possible. This is a fast-moving field and new ideas pop up all the time so rather than think about these tips as ‘the way to do it’, consider the angle they are coming from. As with all EDI focused topics we want to consider a few main questions:

• ■ Are those in minority groups encouraged and welcome to attend the events?

• ■ Is it as easy as possible for those in minority groups to attend?

• ■ Are you catering to diverse needs and expectations during the event?

• ■ Are you providing a diverse array of events and listening to what everyone in the community would like?

Who gets to attend?

Speakers Which topics get spoken about, and by whom, can shape the conversation for the future. By ensuring that you invite a diverse range of speakers into your library space you can encourage diversity in those who attend (Dominguez, 2012). When people look at a line-up of speakers and see no one who looks like them, speaks from a similar set of life experiences to them, or provides them with relevant insight, they are unlikely to attend. They may write off future events without even looking at the programme.