Communities + Libraries: A Community-First Process (C+L) understands that sustainable libraries begin with thriving communities. C+L is a 12-18 month project-based program with local mentor support that builds local capacity while leveraging local expertise.
- Raises up local leaders as trained mentors in a cohort model;
- Creates strong local teams of library professional(s) and community partner(s);
- Pairs those teams with local mentors;
- Trains those teams in community engagement, whole systems thinking & regenerative design;
- Develops a realistic local project for and with the team;
- Provides the resource identification & acquisition required to accomplish the team’s project;
- Values inclusion, diversity, and local realities.
The program is free to use, however there are key roles and a core curriculum which define this program, without which implementation is not a C+L program. The C+L crew can help contracting organizations estimate true costs based on staff hours, travel, and deployment of in-person trainings.
The program is intended to transform libraries of all sizes, locations and population demographics into knowledgeable change agents. Because most libraries have limited resources, both human and financial, it is agreed that providing travel grants allows equitable access to the program and is highly encouraged. Travel is required as the program is a blend of in-person meetings and asynchronous elements.
Program coordinator (most likely staff of the lead organization)
- Interpret the curriculum for local needs
- Coordinate and administer local program implementation
- Choose session facilitators and trainers
- Choose local mentors and participant teams
- Communicate with the C+L Crew and other cohorts nationwide
- Attend mentor training and mentor cohort building session(s)
- Attend all local team trainings and calls
- Work closely with local teams to develop strong community projects
Local library/community partner teams
- At least 4 in-person sessions and 1 cohort call per month over 12 months following curricular guidelines
- Each team has a mentor with whom they have regular (near weekly) contact
- Assist in developing the interpretation of the curriculum into a locally suited program
- Train and otherwise assist engagement mentor cohort
- Provide training to local library/community partner teams as needed
Curriculum Materials and Resources
- Global C+L Network: Our online global network for exchanging information, results, and upcoming events with other cohorts around the globe.
- C+L Guidebook: Everything you need to design and implement a C+L process. Includes:
- Mentor Guide: The responsibilities of the local mentors
- Coordinator Guide: The responsibilities of the Coordinator with guide for localization
- Participant Guide: A welcome guide to new participants
- Instructor Guide: Responsibilities of in-person trainers
- The Complete Core Curriculum: Core learning goals, in-person sessions curriculum, and between session curriculum
- Application Process: A suggested application for selecting participants
- Outreach materials: FAQ and program description to get the word out
- Letters of Commitment Template: Our recommended template for participating libraries and their community partners to indicate their understanding of and commitment to the process.
- Monthly phone meeting agendas
- Presentation Slide Templates: Editable slides for each in-person meeting that cover the core curriculum but allow additions to take advantage of local expertise and/or address local needs
- Readings/Viewings: Monthly suggested readings/viewings to augment learning and spark dialogue
- Budget Template: Before you start, use the budget template to estimate your costs or apply for grants
- Styleguide and Graphics: We recommend you develop a local name for your iteration of C+L, but if you want to use C+L anyway, we’ve got you covered.
- Associated documents and worksheets: Supports the core curriculum
Program participants will believe:
- All community members are partners in community wellbeing;
- Partnerships build capacity which benefits the community at large, including the library;
- Strengthening local social fabric is key to sustainability.
Program participants will know how to:
- Use ALA Libraries Transforming Communities tools to gather community information;
- Translate community information into near & long-term projects which address local wants and needs;
- Build organized networks within a community working toward common interests;
- Implement what they have learned in all aspects of their organization, including policy and procedure development, staffing, programming and planning.