1. Involved in activity Greatly interested Committed
The “Engaged” Library
Involved in activity
Greatly interested
Committed

2. Background
Better Together: Restoring the American Community, Putnam and Feldstein, 2003.
Called libraries a “bridge” for building social connections
Libraries have the ability to bring together different types of people who may not share experiences with each other otherwise.

3. Background
Urban Libraries Council had researchers at Northwestern University investigate several branches of the Chicago Public Library to look closer at the role of libraries in building community.
Study resulted in report The Engaged Library: Chicago Stories of Community Building, 2005.

4. Why the topic is important
All of us want vibrant Iowa communities
We believe that public libraries have an essential role to play in building vibrant communities

5. Community building involves discovering and mobilizing assets:
Skills and resources of individuals
Power of relationships in voluntary organizations
Assets present in local institutions
Physical infrastructure of the community
Profile and dynamics of local economy
Stories, history, dreams

6. Libraries come to the table with a wealth of assets:
Free community space
Technology resources
Connections to the local economy
Sense of ownership by the community
Above all, a level of community trust

7. Positioning libraries to be centers of community life – lessons learned
Get outside the doors – all staff should be encouraged to take an active role in the community
Find the leaders – use local papers; ask long-time residents; attend civic events
Be creative about what the library can contribute – go beyond the obvious and be prepared to say “yes” to new ideas that fall within your mission

8. Lessons Learned…
Discover and contribute to the unique capacities and condition of the community
Support local businesses and institutions – advertise your services to them; spend funds locally
Make the library building a community center

9. Lessons Learned
Create a community-minded culture among library staff and volunteers (and board members) – they should learn names, attend events, develop relationships, pay attention to community issues
Support library investments that jump start community redevelopment efforts – a new library in a neighborhood bring hope and attention

10. Strategies for community development must be:
Asset based
Internally focused
Relationship driven
“No plan, solution or organization from outside the community can duplicate what is already there.”

11. Your turn…
P. 41 – Inventory your library’s assets – all sections except Constituents and Networks
Then p. 32, 33, 36, 37, 39
Go as far as you can and as quickly as you can
20 minutes
We will discuss as a large group

12. Discussion What did you learn about your library?
What did you learn about your community?
What surprised you?
What do you think you will do with this information?