Community Guidelines
We are dedicated to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all, grounded in principles that oppose discrimination and oppression. Our commitment to fostering a just society is reflected in the following guidelines, applicable to our library and our events:
Sobriety: We strive to uphold a sober environment at Matilija Lending Library, free from the influence of alcohol and drugs, ensuring a safe and inclusive space for all members of our community to engage and connect.
Respect: Every interaction within our community is founded on respect, kindness, and dignity.
Inclusivity and Anti-Discrimination: We are firmly against imperialism, racism, homophobia, patriarchy, and fascism. We affirm that Black Lives Matter, Trans Women are Women, Reproductive Rights are Human Rights, and champion the principles of Disability Justice. We acknowledge the interwoven nature of white supremacy, colonial capitalism, gendered oppression, and ableism, and commit to combating these forces.
Care for Resources and Space: With respect and care for our materials and spaces, we contribute to a welcoming environment.
Accountability and Community Building: We embrace our responsibility for our actions and their impact on our community. Supporting one another, we work together to reinforce these commitments, aiming to cultivate a stronger, more inclusive community.
We Encourage and Promote
Amplification of Marginalized Voices: We prioritize promoting and amplifying the works and voices of marginalized groups, including but not limited to women of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those at the intersection of these identities.
Diverse Events, Workshops, and Classes: The events, workshops, and classes we host reflect our commitment to inclusivity. By focusing on topics and activities that elevate underrepresented voices and perspectives, we provide a platform for learning, understanding, and advocacy.
PACBI Statement
At Matilija Lending Library, we stand firmly in support of the universal rights to freedom, dignity, and self-determination.
Our library is a vibrant community center, where diverse narratives and histories converge. Our owners, tracing our family’s migration back from China to Vietnam, embodies a narrative interwoven with the broader global diasporas impacted by U.S. imperialism and Israel's international policies. Our community, residents from all over the San Gabriel Valley and beyond, each bringing forward their unique experiences of displacement, war, and resilience. These collective histories fortify our solidarity with the Palestinian struggle, reminding us that the fight for rights and recognition spans across borders and generations.
Acknowledging the significance of the Palestinian Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel (PACBI) and the broader Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, we advocate for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the acknowledgment of Palestinian rights. Our commitment is echoed in a global voice, calling for justice and equity, and firmly rejecting antisemitism. Our stance is clear: we oppose actions by states that infringe on human rights, distinguishing between the policies of governments and individuals. Read more.