Image generated using the prompt “An outline of a tree with roots in an autumn scene with colorful foliage,” by Microsoft Bing and OpenAI. Image Creator, 2024.(https://www.bing.com/images/create). Note: image edited with Adobe Express to illustrate how libraries and people are connected.
I was struck most by the concept of how libraries are not limited to a physical space. Traditionally, “libraries have always been about access to stories of the world, collected, cataloged and placed on a shelf waiting to be discovered” (Stephens, 2019, p. 92). Libraries in this instance are seen like a warehouse of books with undiscovered services. Only those who dare venture into the four walls can utilize resources. As technology evolves, so must libraries by embracing “an active, visible role in [their] communities” (Stephens, 2016, p. 80) through participatory service. Libraries can use social media to communicate with the public about available programs and services. Libraries can ask users for ideas and feedback on what services would be useful to the community. For example, the Los Angeles Public Library asked their community for input on future services (Mack, 2013). Allowing the community to have a voice in the decision-making process makes people feel valued and heard. What I find fascinating is how ideas from the community can transform into partnerships and future services.
There are a variety of ways libraries can engage with their communities through technology. For example, the Tahlequah Public Library purchased an interactive projector named “Obie” (Gardner, 2024). I was impressed by the variety of games available on the projector, such as puzzles, coloring, and Bingo. Users of all ages can learn, create, and connect with each other through the projector. Removing the “what if someone breaks the new technology” concern allows room for users to cultivate new experiences. Many libraries have also embraced hosting a creative space through the addition of 3D printers. For example, the Fort Worth Public Library is currently hosting a 3D bridge printing contest for teens (Fadden, 2024). This event encourages creativity, play, and community engagement.
Libraries can connect with their communities through partnerships. Libraries can partner with local agencies. For example, the Martin Luther King Jr. Library partnered with the organization People Assisting the Homeless (PATH) to help the unhoused community with their needs (San Jose Public Library, n.d.). The library transforms from a place that houses books to a conduit connecting people to much needed resources. I was curious to see if my local public library had any partnerships. I learned the Yuba County Public library partnered with First Five Children and Families Commission to encourage early literacy in the community (Yuba County Library, n.d.). Engaging parents and children while they are young will encourage lifelong learning.
I was amazed to discover how diverse potential partnerships can be. These are just a few examples: The Woodland Public Library partnered with the Northern Bats organization in hosting a presentation educating the community about bats (Zavala, 2023). The Sacramento Railroad Museum and Foundation and the Sacramento Public Library partnered in creating exhibits to educate the public about the history of the railroad with a focus on Black laborers and riders (Cusack, 2024).
Libraries are not bound to their physical space. Through the use of technology and active participation in their communities, libraries can expand beyond “a place where learning happens but as an institution that transcends its walls” (Matthews et. al, 2018). For example, the Lee County Library partnered with their local Parks and Recreation to create a book walk (Leigh Acres Citizen, 2023). People can read a book while walking in the park. The library has actively integrated into the community. Many libraries have also started a seed library where the community brings in seed packets to be shared with everyone. Sera Shevchenko, a San Diego Public Library patron stated, “I love these seed libraries because it just makes me feel like our community is making the effort to support others, to bettering the environment, and bettering education” (Golden, 2024). The community is encouraged to participate and support their community through seed donations.
Libraries can move beyond four walls, create experiences, and connection in communities.
Libraries are about people.
References:
Cusack, T. (2024, August 8). Railroad Museum and Foundation partner with Sacramento Public Library on two exhibits that showcase local artistry created by Parks and Tranquility Grant awardees. Sacramento Press. https://www.sacramentopress.com/2024/08/06/railroad-museum-foundation-partner-with-the-sacramento-public-library-on-two-exhibits-that-showcase-local-artistry-created-by-parks-and-tranquility-grant-awardees/
Fadden, M. (2024, September 3). Fort Worth Libraries to host 3D printer bridge-build contest for teens. Community Impact. https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/government/2024/09/03/fort-worth-libraries-to-host-3d-printer-bridge-build-contest-for-teens/
Gardner, L. (2024, March 7). Library Welcomes Obie, an interactive projector. Tahlequah Daily Press. https://www.tahlequahdailypress.com/news/library-welcomes-obie-an-interactive-projector/article_12e3657c-da7b-11ee-9ece-03ca70489ae5.html
Golden, C. (2024, September 18). Seed libraries are sprouting across San Diego County. The San Diego Union-Tribune. https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2024/08/03/seed-libraries-are-sprouting-across-san-diego-county/
Leigh Acres Citizen. (2023, July 14). Lee County Library System partners with Parks and Recreation for book walk at Veterans Park. https://www.lehighacrescitizen.com/2023/07/14/lee-county-library-system-partners-with-parks-recreation-for-book-walk-at-veterans-park/
Mack, C. (2013, February 17). Crowdsourced Design: Why Los Angeles is asking the Public to create the library of the future. Good. Crowdsourced Design: Why Los Angeles Is Asking the Public to Create the Library of the Future – Good
Matthews B., Metko S., & Tomlin P. (2018, May 7). Empowerment, Experimentation, Engagement: embracing partnership models in libraries. EDUCAUSE Review. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2018/5/empowerment-experimentation-engagement-embracing-partnership-models-in-libraries
Microsoft Bing & OpenAI. (2024). Image Creator (DALL-E 2) [AI image generator]. https://www.bing.com/images/create
San Jose Public Library. (n.d.). About Social work in the library. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.sjpl.org/social-work/
Stephens, M. (2016). Communities of Practice. In The Heart of Librarianship: Attentive, Positive, and Purposeful Change (p. 80). American Library Association.
Stephens, M. (2019). Being Human. In Wholehearted Librarianship: Finding Hope, Inspiration, and Balance (p. 92). American Library Association.
Yuba County Public Library. (n.d.). Library Programs. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.yuba.org/departments/library/library_programs.php
Zavala, G. (2023, July 27). Woodland Public Library hosts Northern California Bats presentation. Daily Democrat. https://www.dailydemocrat.com/2023/07/27/woodland-public-library-hosts-northern-california-bats-presentation/