The Portico Library’s Equity and Representation Statement

August 2024

 At The Portico Library, we believe that everyone should be treated equitably, inclusive of age, disability, ethnic origin, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, nationality, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

We want to create a welcoming and inclusive Library that represents our city’s communities and is accessible to all.

Equity and representation are central to The Portico Library’s ambitious development strategy. The Portico has already made some important strides forward in this area. This includes the election of female Chair and Secretary at Board level, new recruitment and equal opportunities policies, the creation of a new Equity and Representation Action Group, establishing partnerships with diverse individuals, groups and institutions, and organising exhibitions and events which platform and promote disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people of colour, and people who are at risk of exclusion from community life.

However, we recognise that there is still more to do. The Library was established in 1806 at the height of British empire-building and was founded on the prosperity of the industrial revolution and the colonial period. The Library and its collections therefore reflect the innovations of this time, but also its history of exploitation and inequity.

Inspired by the renewed and ongoing fight for social justice, The Portico welcomes the opportunity, and responsibility, to build and shape a library and wider cultural sector that represents and serves its communities in Manchester and beyond. And we invite you to join us in this.