TRANSFORMING LIBRARIES BUILDINPB

This book is for those moving their library beyond places to find information Written by practicing public librarians and an academic librarian with an interest in public libraries the book focuses on how public libraries can become more community centered and by doing so how they can transform both themselves and their communities The authors argue that focusing on building community through innovative and responsive services and programs will be the best way for the public library to reposition itself in the years to come Repositioning the library acknowledges that information is in abundance in contemporary life And while accessing information will always be at the heart of what libraries do it isnt the only thing they do It may not be in the future even the most important thing that they do This book encourages librarians to admit that our role has evolved and to reframe the discussion so that it is about what we actually can do play an essential role in meeting community needs and building strong and vibrant local communities The authors argue that repositioning libraries as community centered institutions is a responsibility Libraries bring people together They create community and they also create minicommunities everything from book groups to writing circles to new citizen groups to linguistic or ethnic communities reflected in programming and in collections These minicommunities help provide fellowship and foster relationships amongst the group members but also because they exist in the public place that is the library help the larger community recognize and learn about the minicommunities that create the larger community This is the work of libraries The book is divided into three parts which include explorations into the importance of the community centered library practical advice on making your library more community centered and a showcase of community centered library programs services and initiatives across the United States A special focus of the