Month: October 2025

        Public libraries are adapting to the growing and changing needs of modern library users by reimagining the library environment.  The library is no longer simply a place to borrow books; it is a community hub where people come to engage in creative pursuits, socialize, and collaborate. Innovative design and collection materials have become cornerstones of the efforts to modernize and redesign library spaces. Cultivating an environment of community, public libraries have officially “rebranded” (Grant, 2021).

         The public library has become an extension of the community it serves, and a place for “community vitalization” (Skot-Hansen et al, 2013). The programs, services, materials, collections, and overall design of the library building have changed to appeal to a sense of community consciousness, creativity, and entrepreneurial skills. In examples like The Hive in Spokane, Washington or Cloud901 in Memphis, Tennessee, we see wholly reimagined spaces that are dedicated entirely to developing skillsets and artistry through access to the necessary (and often inaccessible) facilities and devices. Here, we see music and photography studios, art and event spaces, sewing rooms, and much more. Makerspaces like these are cropping up in public libraries all around the world, showcasing the innovative modern library environment and its dedication to cultural and community revitalization through creativity, collaboration, and connection.

        When thinking of a hyperlinked library, spaces like these are exactly what come to mind. These spaces are fun and engaging for every age– they’re somewhere you want to come hang out, not just go to borrow books. Public libraries have taken the initiative to discover what their community wants and needs and have risen to the occasion in providing access to the necessary materials and equipment to fulfill these. Through the development of Library of Things in many public libraries, we further see this environmental shift away from solely books and into a broader and more fulfilling access initiative that works to serve the needs of the community.

Today’s Tool Lending Library in Berkeley, CA

The Tool Lending Library in Berkeley, CA in 2012

It is evident, then, that public libraries have come into a new role.  No longer simply buildings filled with books—the public library has been completely reinvented to a meeting space and one of the last remaining, true third spaces of the modern world.  While third spaces deteriorate and disappear throughout the U.S., we see libraries stepping into this role by revamping their spaces, programs, services, and materials. From “hushed book repository” to a fun, imaginative space to create, learn, and network—libraries have successfully completed the ultimate rebrand; and have become an environment where community can flourish and grow (Grant, 2021). It is amazing to think of how far public libraries have come, just in the last couple of decades alone!

“The real power of libraries is they can transform people’s lives. But libraries can also be fun”

-Keenon McCloy (Grant, 2021).

References:

Grant, R. (2021). How Memphis created the nation’s most innovative public library. Smithsonian Magazine. https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/memphis-created-nations-innovative-public-library-180978844/

Skot-Hansen, D., Hvenegaard Rasmussen, C., & Jochumsen, H. (2013). The role of public libraries in culture-led urban regeneration. New Library World, 114(1/2), 7–19. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801311291929

            Hyperlinked communities are an especially important part of library discourse, as it is libraries who help lead our communities by providing access to knowledge, resources, and safe spaces to build and grow diversity. As the United States faces an administration that is, seemingly, determined to undermine facts and to eradicate all efforts of diversity equity, and inclusion in our systems, it is more important than ever for libraries to take initiative and lead the way in building strong communities that advocate for its users, while providing equitable service and access. As Garcia-Febo (2018) explains, we need to be “creating institutions that expand minds and open futures” through love, empathy, and open hearts.

              At a time when American institutions are repealing rights from marginalized groups, libraries stand as a beacon of hope to our communities. As Jensen (2017) explains, “It’s impossible to be a neutral space with the goal of reaching a community”. The inherent nature of libraries is political—to educate, to stand up to injustice, to fight misinformation, and to provide free resources to the underserved. By providing equal access and equitable services to our communities, libraries provide a space to educate people from diverse backgrounds; to include and represent everyone. While the Trump administration takes away federal funding, removes DEI terminology from professional vocabulary, and censors and bans the books and information allowed in library spaces, librarians still fight back.

            Founded by Brooklyn Public Library, a network of libraries across the U.S. have come together to create Books Unbanned; a system inspired by the ALA’s Freedom to Read Statement and Library Bill of Rights, made to combat book bans across the U.S. (Books Unbanned, n.d.). Books Unbanned gives free digital library cards to teens and young adults, in the effort to give access to banned books in places where censorship and book banning laws have gone into effect. This equitable access initiative is a prime example of building a hyperlinked community. By using modern technology, namely e-book collections, libraries are fighting to keep all books accessible to all people.

            It is important for libraries to acknowledge all forms of access barriers and how to address these through services and community building. As we face increasing efforts to undermine education and diverse sources of information, it is more important now than ever for libraries to stand together in uplifting our communities through access initiatives, and diverse and inclusive materials.  I resonate deeply with the ideas mentioned by Garcia-Febo (2018) and Stephens (2016) in leading and learning from the heart with our work as library and information professionals. This notion will lead us far in our work and the ongoing fight for intersectionality, diversity, equity, and inclusion in libraries. When libraries strive to create spaces that include diverse materials with representations of all people, we are successful in creating hyperlinked communities.

References:

Garcia-Febo, L. (2018, November 1). Serving with love: Embedding equality, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do. American Libraries Magazine. https://americanlibrariesmagazine.org/2018/11/01/serving-with-love/

Jensen, K. (2017, February 10). Libraries resist: A round-up of tolerance, social justice, & resistance in US libraries. Book Riot. https://bookriot.com/libraries-resist-round-tolerance-social-justice-resistance-us-libraries/

Stephens, M. (2016). The heart of librarianship: Attentive, positive, and purposeful change. ALA Editions.