Program

Title:

From “Community-Centered Libraries” to “Catalyzing a Community-Led Future”: Living trainings and tools that strengthen library and community bonds

Description:

In 2013 the Free Library of Philadelphia, which consists of 54 locations, began the process of creating clusters that would act as mini library systems to free up staff to better understand the aspirations of our communities. This step, as part of a five year strategic plan, created a path which lead us to hiring Community Organizers, reviewing and revising our Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Community Centered Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian training and using “living tools” like community-led asset mapping.

The Free Library sees engagement trainings and tools as “living” documents that evolve in order to align us with our communities visions. The Laura Bush 21st Century Library training is an example of how we are supporting our staff to strengthen library and community bonds. This training has been broken up into 12 cohorts that meet for 4 sessions. Each cohort is asked to evaluate the training, and feedback is used to ensure that the trainings are cohesive and provide staff with the tools they need. The “living” tools such as asset mapping and reflection journaling help us to flow with our communities to create a culture of engagement.

In this presentation, Andrea Lemoins, Community Organizer, and Echo Phillips, Children's Librarian, will present on how our institution is utilizing the Laura Bush Grant trainings to build upon a continuum of community engagement. Participants in this session will leave with a list of lessons learned and an introductory understanding of asset based community development.

Presenters:

Andrea Lemoins and Echo Phillips

Lighting Talk

Title:

Virtual programs: Grab & Go Crafts

Description:

Are your patrons missing the Library's in-person programs? Are they exhausted of home crafting ideas to keep the family entertained? We have you covered! Presenting... "Grab and Make Crafts"! Learn about this exciting program to keep your customers engaged and have those program statistics counting.

Presenter:

Raynelda Calderon

Title:

Social Change Book Club: Creating a Brave Space to Discuss Community Issues

Description:

For the past 5 years, staff from Denver Public Library have been hosting a non-traditional book club called R.A.D.A.: Read. Awareness. Dialogue. Action. R.A.D.A. strives to bring communities together by using books, such as Michelle Alexander’s The New Jim Crow, as a vehicle to discuss issues and possible solutions. Learn highlights of the program’s promotion, operation, and impact. Get tips on how you can form a similar book club at your library or organization.

Presenters:

Jim Ramsey, Hadiya Evans, and Mónica Lozano