Where does the public library exist?
You might find it interesting to read about this particular public library.
Readings for the Community Context
We have considered both the philosophical context within which supporters of public libraries have operated and we have considered the political context in which the philosophical context had to be implemented. This week we will consider how those two contexts mesh with the communities in which they existed. The literature review covers a broad spectrum, but is a bit focused on the way public libraries were engaged with smaller communities, especially smaller, somewhat rural communities in North Carolina.
Why?
As you read it, think again about how the experiences described in the review relate to your own public library experience. You may be much more familiar with urban libraries or libraries from outside the South, but the issues of who "owns" the public library and who are "served" by the public library are pretty much the same, matter the situation.
Read this one and plan to post a consideration about it.
Bergquist, R. (2008)
The Community Context
Where? Additional thoughts Camden County, NC
You do not have to post considerations of these two ...
but you may find you will get a fuller sense of Earnestine Rose's thoughts as you consider the required reading.
- excerpts from Rose, E. (1954) The Public Library in American Life
- The Librarian at the Nexus of the Harlem Renaissance
Other stuff to consider
- The Libraries Bringing Small-Town News Back to Life
- Twice a year, this floating library delivers thousands of books to the remote islands of Stockholm’s archipelago.
- To Restore Civil Society, Start With the Library
- Historic bank transformed into modern library & community hub
- How public libraries help build healthy communities
- PEW report: How Americans Value Public Libraries in Their Communities
- For The First Time, a Library in Mariners Harbor, Staten Island
- Turning A Page Inside A Rural One-Room Library
Where? Additional thoughts Camden County, NC
Now, let's consider the new library in Camden County, NC, in terms of its community.
Continuing to consider Camden County, NC, we will attempt to select its initial set of books and materials, to be in place when the doors open to the public the first time.
Plan to bring with you a listing of 100 books that your public library philosophy leads you to believe that they should be the foundation of the curriculum. Have reasons why these titles should be selected.
We will assume that our initial collection will be limited to 500 titles, so we will need to advocate for ours, and be able to convince each other that these are fundamental to the community.