Meet me at the library a place to foster social connection and promote democracy

America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hallman, Shamichael (Author)
Format: Books Print Book
Language:English
Published: Washington, D.C. : Island Press, 2024.
Subjects:
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!

MARC

LEADER 00000cam a2200000 i 4500
001 on1432147439
003 OCoLC
005 20241112110700.0
008 240501s2024 dcua 000 0 eng d
010 |a  2024938234 
020 |a 9781642833195  |q (paperback) 
020 |a 1642833193  |q (paperback) 
035 |a (OCoLC)1432147439 
040 |a YDX  |b eng  |c YDX  |d OCLCO  |d Y$$5  |d Q2V  |d OCLCO 
082 0 0 |a 021  |2 23 
092 |a 021 HAL 
100 1 |a Hallman, Shamichael,  |e author. 
245 1 0 |a Meet me at the library :  |b a place to foster social connection and promote democracy /  |c Shamichael Hallman. 
260 |a Washington, D.C. :  |b Island Press,  |c 2024. 
300 |a 180 pages :  |b black and white illustrations ;  |c 23 cm 
336 |a text  |b txt  |2 rdacontent 
337 |a unmediated  |b n  |2 rdamedia 
338 |a volume  |b nc  |2 rdacarrier 
500 |a Notes pages 173-180. 
520 0 |a America is facing an epidemic of loneliness and isolation, with troubling effects on our mental and physical health. We live in one of the most divisive times in our history, one in which we tend to work, play, and associate only with people who think as we do. How do we create spaces for people to come together<U+2015>to open our minds, understand our differences, and exchange ideas? Shamichael Hallman argues that the public library may be our best hope for bridging these divides and creating strong,inclusive communities. While public libraries have long been thought of as a place for a select few, increasingly they are playing an essential role in building social cohesion, promoting civic renewal, and advancing the ideals of a healthy democracy. Many are reimagining themselves in new and innovative ways, actively reaching out to the communities they serve. Today, libraries are becoming essential institutions for repairing society. Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge socioeconomic divides and rebuild trust. But in order to do so, they must be truly welcoming to all. They and their communities must work collaboratively to bridge socioeconomic divides through innovative and productive partnerships. Drawing from his experience at the Memphis Public Library and his extensive research and interviews across the country, Hallman presents a rich argument for seeing libraries as one of the nation's greatest assets. He includes examples from libraries large and small--such as the Iowa's North Liberty Library's Lighthouse in the Library program to bring people together to discuss important topics in a safe and supportive space, to Cambridge Cooks, an initiative of the Cambridge MA Public Library that fosters social connection by bringing people together over shared interest in food. As an institution that is increasingly under attack for creating a place where diverse audiences can see themselves, public libraries are under more scrutiny than ever. Meet Me at the Library offers us a revealing look at one of our most important civic institutions and the social and civic impact they must play if we are to heal our divided nation. 
650 0 |a Libraries and society  |z United States. 
650 0 |a Freedom of information  |z United States. 
650 0 |a Internet access for library users  |z United States. 
994 |a C0  |b PCB 
949 |a schlow  |b SANON  |c 021 HAL  |d i  |e 39635104665743  |f 780879  |g ddc  |j 10/02/2024 
999 |a 494473