Evanston Public Library officials issued a public apology Thursday afternoon for using “thin blue line” imagery to advertise an upcoming program at the Main Library branch.

       According to a spokesperson, the library briefly displayed a “thin blue line” flag as part of a second-floor display promoting an upcoming lecture on police reform hosted by an emeritus political science professor from Northwestern University scheduled for Nov. 2.

       The image appeared on signage as well as one of several books set out to promote the event.

       After a staff member complained, the sign was replaced. As of Thursday afternoon, the book featuring the image was no longer part of the display.

       “We are very serious about our racial equity work and very serious about not wanting to cause harm or to hurt anyone,” Executive Director Karen Danczak-Lyons said. “This image can be and is harmful, so we apologized to our community.”

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       The “thin blue line” flag is sometimes used to symbolize the role of police in maintaining order. Typically, the image is of a black-and-white American flag with a blue line across its center. Opponents of its use say it has been co-opted by racist white nationalist and alt-right groups.

       “We acknowledge the harm this image has caused in our community, particularly for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or (people of color),” the library’s statement reads.

       The statement ended by inviting members of the community to attend already scheduled listening sessions designed to hear feedback on the future of the library and ways to better engage with the community.

       Joshua Irvine is a freelance reporter.

       Evanston Public Library apologizes for using ‘thin blue line’ image to promote program on police reform

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