31 March 2021
Stanford L. Warren Library on Fayetteville Road in Durham
You might find it interesting to read about this particular public library.
Beyond the third place
Back in week 5, the class discussed public libraries and their role as a “third place.”
As a refresher, the “Third place” is a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe informal gathering places where people in a particular community or neighborhood meet to develop friendships, discuss issues, and interact or network with others.
Libraries are more than just third places for many cities and towns, and may be described as communal centers of sociocultural development.
In today’s discussion, we will cover some of the ways public libraries uplift their communities and we will think about how our own libraries impacted our communities.
Why?
Through the course of the term, we have seen how the “public” part of public libraries is easily interchangeable with “community”. Libraries are grounded in the foundational ideals of one's community and is often physically situated in the town's center.
Readings
Read these and plan to post a consideration about them.
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Eric Klinenberg, in The Guardian, on 24 September 2018
Palaces for the people: why libraries are more than just books -
Julie Biando Edwards, Melissa S. Rauseo, & Kelley Rae Unger, in Public Libraries Online, on 30 April 2013
Community Centered: 23 Reasons Why Your Library Is the Most Important Place in Town
Discussion questions to ponder for class:
- What is the public library's role in the community outreach and civil discourse?
- Should public libraries collaborate with other community pillar intuitions (like local businesses or churches) or remain separate?
- How do you define a community hub and who in the community should be the focus?
Outreach in public libraries
Why?
Well, a public library that stays within its walls is missing opportunities.
Readings
Read these and plan to post a consideration about them.
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Snow, J. (2017, October 2).
Outreach Services for Teen Library Staff: What Some Staff are Doing Outside the Walls of Libraries. -
Lawton, M. (2021).
The Road to Normal: Bookmobiles and Outreach Staffers take on New Roles in a Year of COVID-19.
Discussion questions to ponder for class:
- What is the purpose of public library outreach?
- Who benefits from public library outreach?
- How does outreach help to foster a sense of community?
- How do the interests of schools, nonprofits, or volunteer organizations overlap with those of library outreach services?
- How can partnerships be used to support a library’s outreach services?
Oh yes, there's one more thing
In addition to the readings, each of us should find an example of public library outreach. This can be a local example or one found online.
Expect to be asked to share your examples.