Getting Started
3 Steps to Transforming your Library and Community
Component 1
The Report
The Aspen Institute report Rising to the Challenge: Re-Envisioning Public Libraries is starting conversations around the country. The report addresses a renewed vision for the public library, four strategies for success and action steps for library leaders, policymakers and community partners, and more.
Read the ReportComponent 2
Action Guide
The Action Guide for Re-Envisioning Your Public Library leads you through a variety of strategic activities and provides worksheets that evaluate the current level of support for your library and the resources needed to plan and convene your own community dialogue.
Get the GuideComponent 3
Dialogue Models
The Aspen Institute Dialogue on Public Libraries will convene a series of dialogues in cities across the country. Each public dialogue will test and develop a variety of models for engaging state and local leaders and community partners to advance new thinking about the role of public libraries.
Start a DialogueStrategies for Success
Connecting people to the world in a different way is the challenge of the 21st century for public libraries in communities of all sizes. Libraries long ago established their place in the hearts of their communities. Sustaining and broadening that position requires new thinking about what a library is and how it drives opportunity and success in today’s world.
The Aspen Institute Dialogue on Public Libraries has identified four strategic opportunities for action to guide this continuing transformation:
- Aligning library services in support of community Goals
- Providing access to content in all formats
- Ensuring the long-term sustainability of public libraries
- Cultivating leadership
Action Steps for Getting Started
The Dialogue on Public Libraries offers a series of action steps for getting started. These action steps are addressed to library leaders, policy makers, and the community. They are recommendations for action that offer a starting point for change.