LibGuides: Civic Engagement Leadership Roles for Libraries: Library Civic Engagement Programs

The Power of Libraries to Foster Inclusive Civic Engagement

Libraries and Civic Engagement

Special Report: Democracy in Action
American Libraries, November 2019.
Patrons and Citizens: Libraries Building Civic Engagement
IFLA Library Policy and Advocacy Blog, October 2018
Civic Engagement: Democracy Thrives at the Library
By Paula Wilson. Public Libraries Online, May 18, 2017
Public Libraries as Platforms for Civic Engagement
W Technology & Social Change Group/USC Annenberg Innovation Lab, May 2018
Public Library Association Civic & Community Engagement
Civic Engagement in Your Library Community - A Guided Tour of the Book-to-Action Program and Toolkit
InfoPeople webinar presented by Sally Thomas and Mary Menzel, August 6, 2013
The Power of Libraries to Foster Inclusive Community Engagement
National Civic League Webinar, November 2017
Leadership Brief: Libraries Leading Civic Engagement
Urban Libraries Council: Identifies the following leadership roles: civic educator, conversation starter, community bridge, visionary, center for democracy in action
Civic Participation and Libraries Recommended Reading List
By Nancy Kranich, Civic Librarian at the Rutgers University School of Communication and Information and Rutgers University
Libraries (Revised 9/16)

Examples of Library Civic Engagement Initiatives/Projects

National Week of Conversation (Boston Public Library) The Boston Public Library partnered with the NCDD and Big Tent Nation to host a week of community conversations on topics like immigration, bridging divides, sexual assault and power, race and ethnicity, guns and responsibility, and safety and justice.
Choose Civility (Howard County Library System) Choose Civility is an ongoing community-wide initiative, led by Howard County Library System, to position Howard County, Maryland as a model of civility. Valuing diversity, we choose respect, compassion, empathy, and inclusiveness as essential to our quality of life.
Citizens Academy (Lexington, Massachusetts) The program is designed to expose residents to the various Town departments so they can gain a better understanding of how municipal government works. Through presentations, discussions, and visits to Town departments, participants have the opportunity to hear from various Directors and Managers and learn about the operations of Town programs and services. Includes program at the Cary Memorial Library
Democracy Talks (Events at the Watertown Public Library) Democracy Talks is a series of events designed to illuminate the democratic process and create space for conversation. Our expert speakers grapple with the thorniest issues of our time, providing much-needed context and suggesting paths to engagement.
Meet and Greet the Candidates for Local & Statewide Office (Mason Square Branch, Springfield City Library) Event Description: Get to know the candidates for local and statewide offices. Find out where they stand on the issues and let them know your concerns before you cast your vote in the Primary Election. Register to vote, make sure your registration is active, and confirm where your polling place is.
Civics Lab (Skokie Public Library) Civic Lab offers information, activities, and discussion on issues facing our community. The Civic Lab pops up at the library around different events and topics.
St. Paul Public Library Racial Equity Initiative Saint Paul Public Library launched a racial equity initiative in 2014 as part of a citywide effort focused on equity in its workforce, policies and services. Recognized as a leader among city departments, the Library changed hiring practices to double staff of color and changed programs because of their impact on guests and staff of color.
Revive Civility (Wilmington Public Library) A month-long initiative to raise awareness of the important of civil conversations.
Climate Change Conversations: Librarians Fostering Community Dialogue
Citizenship Day at the Boston Public Library
Climate Prep Week - This Year We are Virtual!

Civic Engagement Leadership Roles for Libraries: Library Civic Engagement Programs

The Power of Libraries to Foster Inclusive Civic Engagement

Libraries and Civic Engagement

Examples of Library Civic Engagement Initiatives/Projects

Declaration of Inclusion