The Salt Lake City Public Library’s (SLCPL) Strategic Roadmap caught my attention as my library works on its strategic plan. SLCPL included civic engagement as a core focus area, highlighting its role as a “civic educator” and “community convener”. We are working to position our library as a hub for civic activities, where local government, community organizations, and residents come together for meaningful discussions and events. The immediate goal is to promote the library as a central venue for programs like budget workshops, wildfire prevention talks, candidate forums, and so on. Public libraries are uniquely positioned to help citizens develop the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to become active participants in creating vibrant communities.
Libraries: Bridging Divides and Fostering Dialogue
Nationwide, libraries are embracing their role as civic spaces. The Aspen Institute’s Rising to the Challenge report emphasizes how libraries serve as trusted forums for constructive dialogue on community issues. They “ensure equitable access and provide important civic space for advancing democracy and the common good”. Across the country, libraries are hosting town halls, facilitating discussions on policy matters, and offering programs that help residents navigate complex civic topics. These efforts are essential in bridging social and political divides, providing a space where diverse perspectives are heard and respected.
The Benefits of Libraries as Civic Hubs
Libraries empower informed citizenship by ensuring access to reliable, fact-based resources. They provide a platform for diverse voices, hosting discussions that reflect the experiences and concerns of the entire community. Additionally, libraries serve as a conduit between residents and local government, fostering transparency and engagement through events like public forums and civic education workshops.
Looking Ahead
As pillars of democracy, libraries play a vital role in strengthening civic participation and community resilience. Looking forward, libraries must continue to evolve as centers for civic engagement, ensuring that all citizens have the tools and opportunities to actively shape their communities.
References
American Library Association. (n.d.). Libraries transform communities. https://www.ala.org/tools/librariestransform/libraries-transforming-communities
Aspen Institute. (2014). Rising to the challenge: Re-envisioning public libraries (p. 10). https://www.aspeninstitute.org/publications/rising-challenge-re-envisioning-public-libraries/
OCLC. (2018). From awareness to funding: Voter perceptions and support of public libraries. https://www.oclc.org/research/publications/2018/oclcresearch-awareness-to-funding-2018.html
Public Library Association. (2020). Public libraries as partners in addressing public health concerns. http://www.ala.org/pla/initiatives/publichealth
Salt Lake City Public Library. (2018). Strategic roadmap (p. 23). Salt Lake City Public Library. https://static.libnet.info/images/pdfs/slcpl/StrategicRoadmap.pdf
@Angela it’s very cool that your library is currently working on the strategic plan and I’m glad you found inspiration from Salt Lake City. I also really appreciate your heart shaped word cloud. It was nice to revisit the ideas here because they give me a lot of hope for the future about how we might bring people together under the banner of Civic engagement and convening.