Two Librarians and a Microphone

The San Diego Public Library partnered with the San Diego Public Defender Youth Council to host a Youth Candidate Forum where young people could ask local political candidates questions on issues that were important to them. The forum offered a civic engagement opportunity to bring forth the voice of youth and allow young people to lead the discussion with local candidates that represent their communities and influence the political platform that directly impacts their generation. The youth-led program engaged over 160 young people to bring their concerns on topics like global warming, homelessness, violence, and equitable access.

Responding to recent challenges to democratic values in Canada and around the world, Toronto Public Library expanded how they support engaged citizenship. Launching Canada’s first user-friendly, responsive, and accessible library website, Know You Vote T.O., addressed the issues of voter turnout and education for 2018’s municipal election. The website provided voters with an easy way to find their ward and candidate information, neutral explanations of the biggest issues facing the city, and a non-partisan advisory board. The site garnered over 23,000 distinct users in the month before the election date and was recognized by media and candidates as an authoritative information source, with 72% of candidates submitting responses.

Edmonton Public Library (EPL) demonstrates how the library is a significant player in cultivating the vibrancy and diversity of local arts through their local music initiative, Capital City Records. Their first vinyl compilation album, “Riversides,” produced through this project inspired excitement for music recording studios in EPL’s new downtown library, strengthened the city’s music community, showcased local artists and celebrated the diverse and vibrant talent of Edmonton’s music and arts scene. From the 126 tracks submitted by 71 local artists, to the jury of experts that selected the tracks, to the album artwork, every element of its production was local. EPL’s “Riversides” has become a piece of Edmonton music history and demonstrates how the public library is a significant player in cultivating the vibrancy and diversity of the local community.

San José Public Library (SJPL) partnered with the National Hockey League’s (NHL) San Jose (SJ) Sharks to promote the value of libraries by co-branding a library card to help increase memberships and build awareness about SJPL services and member benefits. In 2018, SJPL introduced several programs, from fine forgiveness to book replacements, to remove barriers for the community to access library services. In order to boost awareness about these access programs, SJPL developed a marketing strategy that would attract news media, increase community outreach, and develop ongoing partnerships to welcome members back and motivate residents to visit the library. Since the SJ Sharks co-branded library cards released in February, nearly 9,000 have been issued to date.

Chesterfield County Public Library wanted to create circulatable items that provide a learning experience – not just a checkout to customers. Through partnerships with eight local museums,the Museum Pass Project provides 21 curated messenger bags for check out. Each bag contains a museum family pass and a combination of books, DVDs, unique toys, educational brochures, and maps related to the museum. These kits created access to Chesterfield’s multitude of cultural and historical resources for all residents, whether unaware or financially unable to utilize before, while underlining the value of the library as an essential part of their community. The collection launched with all 21 bags checked out within 48 hours. Within the first week, they had 389 holds.

Just when artificial intelligence looked like it was far beyond the reach of most learners, the Frisco Public Library leveraged computing tools to bring AI home. Combining an at-home experiential learning kit with classroom instruction, FPL demonstrates how public libraries can be innovation generators for emerging roles in the job landscape. Not only did they overcome the challenge of budgets, space, and talent, these AI education efforts have led the conversation in the community about the library’s role as a tech navigator and leader.

With the goal of creating a center for lifelong learning and meaningful experiences, Cambridge Public Library developed the Creative Aging Program, an eight-week course for adults aged 55+, centering on the arts. Taught by certified artists and instructors, this program provides participants with opportunities to learn new skills, to make new connections after retirement, and enrich the lives of older adults. Courses include the Art of Storytelling, Poetry Writing, Basics of Drawing, Writing Memoir, and Basics of Dance.

Austin Public Library partnered with Austin Community College to bring vocational educational opportunities to one of its most underserved communities by offering ACC’s Welding Class that allows students to receive a Welding Certification. A generator-powered mobile education pod was brought to students, rather than the other way around, making it much easier for community members interested to attend. This program was able to remove some common barriers to obtaining workforce training and to provide individuals with skills that will lead to jobs, an increase in disposable income, and a better life.

The library’s joyous family art program celebrated black history, educated children and their families about renowned black artist Kehinde Wiley who painted the Obama portrait, encouraged healthy identity development and addressed community challenges in a positive and optimistic way.

Palo Alto City Library is encouraging kids and teens to embrace the possibilities of AI and robotics through workshops, toolkits and robot shows. In addition to exposing more than 500 families to robotic technologies, the library’s program has created great synergy in the community about nascent technologies.